Modular stacked motion simulation system

ABSTRACT

A user motion apparatus has a track. A motion assembly is movably mounted to the track. A drive member drives the motion assembly along the track. A tolerance accommodation member has a first connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion assembly, a second connector portion fixedly mounted to the drive member, and a third connector portion that extends between the first connector portion and the second connector portion. The third connector portion is movably mounted to a first end of the first connector portion and separately movably mounted to a first end of the second connector portion whereby the first connector portion and the second connector portion are movable relative to one another allowing a distance between the first end of the first connector portion and the first end of the second connector portion to vary thereby accommodating a range of manufacturing tolerances in the track.

FIELD

The specification relates generally to amusement ride systems, and inparticular motion simulator systems for riders viewing a display screen.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is partof the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a personskilled in the art.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,444,496 purports to disclose a lateral dynamicsimulation device includes a positioning platform, a motor mechanism anda carriage. The positioning platform has an upright positioned arm. Themotor mechanism has multiple degrees of freedom and comprises a base, aplatform and a plurality of stretchable bars to join the base and theplatform by universal joints. The carriage has a space at the frontalportion for carrying passengers and a back portion at the rear portion.The base of the motor mechanism is fixed to the arm of the positioningplatform and the platform of the motor mechanism is fixed to the backportion of the carriage.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,463,391 purports to disclose a motion base, comprising apivot structure having a pivot point near the center of gravity of thepivot structure; a platform support by the pivot structure, the platformhaving a generally horizontal position and a generally verticalposition; and, a drive for rotating of the pivot structure at the pivotpoint to move the platform from the generally horizontal position to thegenerally vertical position.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to themore detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended tolimit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or moreinventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of theelements or process steps disclosed in any part of this documentincluding its claims and figures.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a motion simulationsystem can include a plurality of motion bays and a display screen. Eachmotion bay can include one or more movable rider assemblies configuredto support rider accommodations. The rider assemblies can be configuredto provide motion to the rider accommodations that is synchronized witha display provided on the display screen. The motion simulator systemcan independently control the operation of the motion bays and the riderassemblies so that only a subset of the motion bays and/or riderassemblies are actuated at a given time. This may allow the system tocontinue operations even when one or more bays are non-operational, e.g.undergoing maintenance. The motion simulator system can also operatebelow capacity while not actuating rider assemblies that do notcurrently have riders. This may prevent unnecessary wear on the riderassemblies and/or motion bays.

The motion bays can also be arranged in a modular fashion facing thedisplay screen. Multiple motion bays can be stacked vertically and/orhorizontally. This may allow the motion simulator system to maximize thespace usage within a given venue. This may also facilitate installationof the motion simulator system within existing buildings rather thanalways requiring purpose-built venues.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion simulationsystem comprising:

(a) a display screen;

(b) a plurality of rider motion apparatuses, wherein each rider motionapparatus is configured to support at least one rider accommodation, andeach rider motion apparatus is positionable in a ride position with theat least one rider accommodation facing the display screen;

(c) a plurality of motion bays, wherein each motion bay extends betweena bay front end that is closer to the display screen than a bay rear endof that bay in a forward-rearward direction, and the bay front end ofeach motion bay is positioned facing the display, wherein each motionbay encloses a bay set of rider motion apparatuses that includes atleast one of the rider motion apparatuses from the plurality of ridermotion apparatuses; and

(d) a controller coupled to the display and to the motion bays, whereinthe controller is configured to provide a motion simulation experienceby:

-   -   positioning a set of rider motion apparatuses in the ride        position, wherein the set of rider motion apparatuses includes        at least some of the rider motion apparatuses from the plurality        of rider motion apparatuses;    -   providing a visual display on the display screen, wherein the        visual display is visible from each and every rider        accommodation when the rider motion apparatus corresponding to        that rider accommodation is positioned in the ride position; and    -   controlling motion of the rider accommodations during the visual        display to move the rider accommodations supported by the set of        rider motion apparatuses in a defined motion sequence, wherein        the defined motion sequence is coordinated with the visual        display provided on the display screen;    -   wherein    -   the controller is configured to actuate a subset of the rider        motion apparatuses in response to determining that at least one        of the rider motion apparatuses is in an inactive state, wherein        the subset excludes the at least one of the rider motion        apparatuses in the inactive state.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to determine thata particular rider motion apparatus is in the inactive state when theparticular rider motion apparatus is at least one of nonoperational andunoccupied.

In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may be adjustablebetween a load position and the ride position, where in the loadposition the rider motion apparatus is fully enclosed within thecorresponding motion bay, and in the ride position a front end of therider motion apparatus extends outward from the bay front end; and thecontroller can be configured to position only the subset of rider motionapparatuses in the ride position.

In some embodiments, each motion bay can include an openable front doorpositioned at the bay front end, where the front door is adjustablebetween an open position and a closed position, where when the frontdoor is in the open position the bay front end is open and the displayis visible from an interior of the motion bay, and when the front dooris in the closed position the bay front end is closed; at least onemotion bay is in an inactive bay state in which all of the rider motionapparatuses in that motion bay are in the inactive state; and thecontroller can be configured to adjust the front door of the motion bayscorresponding to the subset of rider motion apparatuses to the openposition and to retain the front door of any motion bays in the inactivebay state in the closed position.

In some embodiments, the plurality of motion bays may include aplurality of vertically stacked motions bays, where the plurality ofvertically stacked motions bays includes a first motion bay and a secondmotion bay, and the first motion bay is above the second motion bay.

In some embodiments, each motion bay may extend between a first lateralbay side and a second lateral bay side in a lateral direction; and, theplurality of motion bays may include a plurality of laterally stackedmotions bays, where the plurality of laterally stacked motions baysincludes the first motion bay and a third motion bay, and the firstlateral bay side of the first motion bay is adjacent to the secondlateral bay side of the third motion bay in the lateral direction.

In some embodiments, each motion bay may extend between a first lateralbay side and a second lateral bay side in a lateral direction; and, theplurality of motion bays can include a plurality of laterally stackedmotions bays, where the plurality of laterally stacked motions bayscomprises a first motion bay and a second motion bay, and the firstlateral bay side of the first motion bay is adjacent to the secondlateral bay side of the second motion bay in the lateral direction.

In some embodiments, the bay front end of the first motion bay may beforward of the bay front end of the second motion bay.

In some embodiments, the second motion bay may include an extensionmember that extends laterally across the bay front end of the secondmotion bay above the at least one rider motion apparatus enclosed bythat motion bay; and the extension member extends outwardly from the bayfront end of the second motion bay whereby the extension member ispositioned to catch debris falling from the second motion bay.

In some embodiments, each motion bay may include an extension memberthat extends laterally across the bay front end of that motion bay abovethe at least one rider motion apparatus enclosed by that motion bay; andthe extension member can include a feature delivery system positioned toface that motion bay, where the feature delivery system is configured todirect at least one of a fluid element and a scent element towards theat least one rider motion apparatus enclosed by that motion bay.

In some embodiments, each rider accommodation may be positioned forwardof the bay front end of the corresponding motion bay when thecorresponding rider motion apparatus is positioned in the ride position.

In some embodiments, the motion simulation system may omit any visualobstructions between the display and each rider accommodation in eachmotion bay when the rider motion apparatus corresponding to that rideraccommodation is positioned in the ride position.

In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may include: a fixedbase having a front end and a rear end, the base including an upper basesurface and a track, where the upper base surface extends between thefront end and the rear end in a forward-rearward direction and the trackextends in the forward-rearward direction; a motion platform thatextends between a platform front end and a platform rear end in theforward-rearward direction, where the motion platform is movably mountedon the track and the motion platform is movable along the track in theforward-rearward direction; and a seating assembly that is mounted onthe motion platform, where the seating assembly includes at least oneuser seat having a seat base and a seat back, where each seat baseextends between a seat front end and a seat rear end in theforward-rearward direction, and the at least one rider accommodation isdefined by the at least one user seat.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a non-transitorycomputer readable medium having computer-executable instructions storedthereon for configuring a processor to perform a method of controlling amotion simulation system comprising a display screen, a plurality ofrider motion apparatuses, wherein each rider motion apparatus isconfigured to support at least one rider accommodation, and each ridermotion apparatus is positionable in a ride position with the at leastone rider accommodation facing the display screen, and a plurality ofmotion bays wherein each motion bay encloses a bay set of rider motionapparatuses that includes at least one of the rider motion apparatusesfrom the plurality of rider motion apparatuses, wherein the methodcomprises:

(a) positioning a set of rider motion apparatuses in the ride position,wherein the set of rider motion apparatuses includes at least some ofthe rider motion apparatuses from the plurality of rider motionapparatuses;

(b) providing a visual display on the display screen, wherein the visualdisplay is visible from each and every rider accommodation when therider motion apparatus corresponding to that rider accommodation ispositioned in the ride position; and

(c) controlling motion of the rider accommodations during the visualdisplay to move the rider accommodations supported by the set of ridermotion apparatuses in a defined motion sequence, wherein the definedmotion sequence is coordinated with the visual display provided on thedisplay screen;

(d) determining that at least one of the rider motion apparatuses is inan inactive state; and

(e) actuating only a subset of the rider motion apparatuses in responseto determining that the at least one of the rider motion apparatuses isin the inactive state, wherein the subset excludes the at least one ofthe rider motion apparatuses in the inactive state.

In some embodiments, the method may include determining that aparticular rider motion apparatus is in the inactive state when theparticular rider motion apparatus is at least one of nonoperational andunoccupied.

In some embodiments, each rider motion apparatus may be adjustablebetween a load position and the ride position, where in the loadposition the rider motion apparatus is fully enclosed within thecorresponding motion bay, and in the ride position a front end of therider motion apparatus extends outward from the bay front end; and themethod can include positioning only the subset of rider motionapparatuses in the ride position.

In some embodiments, the method may include each motion bay may includean openable front door positioned at the bay front end, where the frontdoor is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, wherewhen the front door is in the open position the bay front end is openand the display is visible from an interior of the motion bay, and whenthe front door is in the closed position the bay front end is closed;and the method can include determining that at least one motion bay isin an inactive bay state in which all of the rider motion apparatuses inthat motion bay are in the inactive bay state; and adjusting the frontdoor of the motion bays corresponding to the subset of rider motionapparatuses to the open position and retaining the front door of anymotion bays in the inactive bay state in the closed position.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a toleranceaccommodation member is provided that can be used to mount a motionapparatus to a track. The tolerance accommodation member may have afirst connector that attaches to the motion apparatus and a secondconnector that attaches to an actuator that drives the motion apparatusalong the track in a longitudinal direction. An intermediate connectorconnects the first and second connectors. The intermediate connector canbe movably mounted to both the first and second connectors to permitlateral and/or vertical motion between the first and second connectors.

The tolerance accommodation member permits a range of manufacturingtolerances in the track while still enabling the motion apparatus to bemounted to the track. This may simplify track manufacturing andinstallation and reduce installation costs. The tolerance accommodationmember may also allow the motion apparatus to continue operation withdebris in the track or with slight changes to the track or motionapparatus due to wear.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user motionapparatus comprising:

(a) a track;

(b) a motion assembly movably mounted to the track, the motion assemblyconfigured to support at least one rider accommodation;

(c) a drive member operable to drive the motion assembly along thetrack; and

(d) a tolerance accommodation member comprising a first connectorportion, a second connector portion, and a third connector portion,wherein the first connector portion is fixedly mounted to the motionassembly, the second connector portion is fixedly mounted to the drivemember, and the third connector portion extends between the firstconnector portion and the second connector portion;

wherein

the third connector portion is movably mounted to a first end of thefirst connector portion; and

the third connector portion is separately movably mounted to a first endof the second connector portion whereby the first connector portion andthe second connector portion are movable relative to one anotherallowing a distance between the first end of the first connector portionand the first end of the second connector portion to vary therebyaccommodating a range of manufacturing tolerances in the track.

In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support, the supportdefines an outer support surface, and the track may include an opentrack section that extends through the outer support surface; and thethird connector portion may extend through the open track section, thethird connector portion is mounted to the motion support on a first sideof the outer support surface, and the third connector portion is mountedto the drive member on a second side of the outer support surface.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; the firstmovable coupling may permit the third connector portion to move relativeto the first connector portion in a first direction; the third connectorportion may be movably mounted to the second connector portion by asecond movable coupling; the second movable coupling may permit thethird connector portion to move relative to the second connector portionin a second direction; and the second direction is perpendicular to thefirst direction.

In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward direction;the third connector portion may be movably mounted to the firstconnector portion by a first movable coupling; and the first movablecoupling may permit movement in a lateral direction perpendicular to theforward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; and thesecond movable coupling may permit the third connector portion to moverelative to the second connector portion in a vertical directionperpendicular to the forward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; and thesecond movable coupling may permit the third connector portion to moverelative to the second connector portion in a vertical direction.

In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward direction;the third connector portion may be movably mounted to the firstconnector portion by a first movable coupling; the first movablecoupling may inhibit the third connector portion from moving relative tothe first connector portion in the forward-rearward direction; the thirdconnector portion may be movably mounted to the second connector portionby a second movable coupling; and the second movable coupling mayinhibit the third connector portion from moving relative to the secondconnector portion in the forward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the first connector portion by a first movable coupling, and thefirst movable coupling may include a sliding bushing.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling, and thesecond movable coupling may include a sliding bushing.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include two trackconnector assemblies, where each track connector assembly is mounted tothe motion assembly and movably mounted to the track.

In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support, the supporthas a front end, a rear end, a first lateral side, and a second lateralside, and the support extends between the front end and the rear end ina forward-rearward direction, and between the first lateral side and thesecond lateral side in a lateral direction; the track extends in theforward-rearward direction; and the tolerance accommodation member andthe track connector assemblies may be spaced apart in the lateraldirection with the tolerance accommodation member positioned at alocation between the two track connector assemblies in the lateraldirection.

In some embodiments, the motion assembly may include a plurality ofrider accommodations.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a toleranceaccommodation member for a user motion apparatus comprising a track, amotion assembly movably mounted to the track, and a drive memberoperable to drive the motion assembly along a track, wherein thetolerance accommodation member comprises:

(a) a first connector portion that is fixedly mountable to the motionassembly;

(b) a second connector portion that is fixedly mountable to the drivemember; and

(c) a third connector portion that extends between the first connectorportion and the second connector portion;

wherein

the third connector portion is movably mounted to a first end of thefirst connector portion; and

the third connector portion is separately movably mounted to a first endof the second connector portion whereby the first connector portion andthe second connector portion are movable relative to one anotherallowing a distance between the first end of the first connector portionand the first end of the second connector portion to vary therebyaccommodating a range of manufacturing tolerances in the track.

In some embodiments, the track is provided by a support, the supportdefines an outer support surface, and the track may include an opentrack section that extends through the outer support surface; and thethird connector portion can be shaped to extend through the open tracksection with the third connector portion mounted to the motion assemblyon a first side of the outer support surface and the third connectorportion mounted to the drive member on a second side of the outersupport surface.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; the firstmovable coupling may permit the third connector portion to move relativeto the first connector portion in a first direction; the third connectorportion may be movably mounted to the second connector portion by asecond movable coupling; the second movable coupling may permit thethird connector portion to move relative to the second connector portionin a second direction; and the second direction is perpendicular to thefirst direction.

In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward direction;the third connector portion may be movably mounted to the firstconnector portion by a first movable coupling; and the first movablecoupling can be configured to permit movement in a lateral directionperpendicular to the forward-rearward direction when the toleranceaccommodation member is installed with the first connector portionfixedly mounted to the motion assembly.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; and thesecond movable coupling may permit the third connector portion to moverelative to the second connector portion in a vertical directionperpendicular to the forward-rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling; and thesecond movable coupling may be configured to permit the third connectorportion to move relative to the second connector portion in a verticaldirection when the tolerance accommodation member is installed with thesecond connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion actuator.

In some embodiments, the track extends in a forward-rearward direction;the third connector portion may be movably mounted to the firstconnector portion by a first movable coupling; the first movablecoupling may be configured to inhibit the third connector portion frommoving relative to the first connector portion in the forward-rearwarddirection when the tolerance accommodation member is installed with thefirst connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion assembly; thethird connector portion may be movably mounted to the second connectorportion by a second movable coupling; and the second movable couplingmay be configured to inhibit the third connector portion from movingrelative to the second connector portion in the forward-rearwarddirection when the tolerance accommodation member is installed with thesecond connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion actuator.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the first connector portion by a first movable coupling, and thefirst movable coupling can include a sliding bushing.

In some embodiments, the third connector portion may be movably mountedto the second connector portion by a second movable coupling, and thesecond movable coupling can include a sliding bushing.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a track mountingassembly is provided to mount a motion assembly on a track. The trackmounting apparatus allows the motion assembly to be moved along thetrack. The track mounting apparatus includes a first track memberconnected to the motion assembly and a captive arm connected to themotion assembly. The first track member is mounted on the surface of thetrack. The first track member includes a coupling section that extendsat least partially through the track. The captive arm extends throughthe track and engages the coupling section at an engagement height. Thecaptive arm may be adjustably mounted to the motion assembly to allowthe engagement height to be adjusted on installation and re-adjusted forwear or changes in the track and/or motion platform. This may facilitateinstallation and extend the usable life of the track and motionassembly.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user motionapparatus comprising:

a track having a front end and a rear end, and an outer track surface;

a motion assembly configured to support at least one rideraccommodation;

a mounting assembly configured to movably mount the motion assembly tothe outer track surface with the motion assembly movable along thetrack, the mounting assembly comprising:

a first track member connected to the motion assembly, wherein the firsttrack member is movably mounted to the outer track surface, and thefirst track member includes a coupling section that extends through theouter track surface; and

a captive arm having a first arm portion connected to the motionassembly and a second arm portion that extends through the outer tracksurface to an engagement height, wherein the second arm portion isconfigured to engage the coupling section of the first track member atthe engagement height, wherein the second arm portion is configured tomaintain engagement with the coupling section of the first track memberat the engagement height as the first track member moves along the trackwhereby the first track member and second track member cooperate tomaintain the motion assembly on the track.

In some embodiments, the first arm portion may be connected to themotion assembly by an adjustable connector assembly, and the adjustableconnector assembly is usable to adjust the engagement height of thesecond arm portion.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include apivot connector connecting the first arm portion and the motionassembly, and the first arm portion may be pivotable about the pivotconnector to adjust the engagement height of the second arm portion.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include apivot limiting member, the pivot limiting member defining a pivot range,and the first arm portion can be prevented from pivoting outside of thepivot range.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include anadjustment limiting member that defines an adjustment range that limitsthe range of the engagement height.

In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a wheel shapedto engage the coupling section of the first track member.

In some embodiments, the first track member may include a roller.

In some embodiments, the roller may include a flanged wheel; the flangedwheel may include a wheel section and a flange section; the wheelsection may be connected to the motion assembly and mounted to the trackon the outer track surface; and the flanged section may extend throughthe track and defines the coupling section.

In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a wheel shapedto engage the flanged section.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a mountingassembly for a user motion apparatus comprising a track having an outertrack surface and a motion assembly configured to support at least onerider accommodation, the mounting assembly comprising:

a first track member connectable to the motion assembly, wherein thefirst track member is movably mountable to the outer track surface, andthe first track member includes a coupling section shaped to extendthrough the outer track surface when the first track member is mountedto the outer track surface; and

a captive arm having a first arm portion connectable to the motionassembly and a second arm portion shaped to extend through the outertrack surface to an engagement height when the first arm portion isconnected to the motion assembly, wherein the second arm portion isconfigured to engage the coupling section of the first track member atthe engagement height, wherein the second arm portion is configured tomaintain engagement with the coupling section of the first track memberat the engagement height as the first track member moves along the trackwhereby the first track member and second track member cooperate tomaintain the motion assembly on the track.

In some embodiments, the mounting assembly may also include anadjustable connector assembly usable to connect the first arm portion tothe motion assembly, where the adjustable connector assembly is usableto adjust the engagement height when the first arm portion is connectedto the motion assembly.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include apivot connector, and the first arm portion may be pivotable about thepivot connector to adjust the engagement height of the second armportion.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include apivot limiting member, the pivot limiting member defining a pivot range,and the first arm portion may be prevented from pivoting outside of thepivot range.

In some embodiments, the adjustable connector assembly may include anadjustment limiting member that defines an adjustment range that limitsthe range of the engagement height.

In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a wheel shapedto engage the coupling section of the first track member.

In some embodiments, the first track member may include a roller.

In some embodiments, the roller may include a flanged wheel; the flangedwheel may include a wheel section and a flange section; the wheelsection may be connectable to the motion assembly and mountable to thetrack on the outer track surface; and the flanged section may extendthrough the track when the wheel section is mounted to the track on theouter track surface, the flanged section defining the coupling sectionof the first track member.

In some embodiments, the second arm portion may include a wheel shapedto engage the flanged section.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a user motion apparatusincludes a motion assembly that operates in a load position and anin-use position. The user motion apparatus includes a locking systemthat secures the motion assembly in each of the load position and thein-use position. The locking system includes separate lock units for theload position and the in-use position.

The motion assembly may be driven between the load position and in-useposition by a drive member. The load position lock may include a drivemember brake that prevents the drive member from moving. The in-useposition lock unit may include a mechanical lock that secures the motionassembly in position directly. The mechanical lock unit can bestructured to handle dynamic loading while in the ride position toreduce the impact of load forces due to motion of the motion assembly.This may allow the user motion apparatus to disengage the drive membermotion and avoid transferring load forces from motion of the motionassembly to the motor while in the in-use position.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user motionapparatus comprising:

(a) a track extending between a front track end and a rear track end ina forward-rearward direction;

(b) a motion assembly movably mounted to the track, wherein the motionassembly is configured to support at least one rider accommodation, andwherein the motion assembly is movable along the track between a loadposition and an in-use position and the load position is rearward of thein-use position;

(c) a first lock unit operable to secure the motion assembly in the loadposition wherein the first lock unit holds the motion assembly in theload position when the first lock unit is engaged, and when the firstlock unit is released the motion assembly is movable to the in-useposition;

(d) a second lock unit operable to secure the motion assembly in thein-use position wherein the second lock unit holds the motion assemblyin the in-use position when the second lock unit is engaged, and whenthe second lock unit is released the motion assembly is movable to theload position.

In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a mechanical lockpositioned to automatically engage the motion assembly when the motionassembly is moved to the in-use position.

In some embodiments, the track may be provided by a support, themechanical lock may include a latch mounted to the support and anengagement arm extending from the motion assembly, where the engagementarm is received by the latch member when the motion assembly is moved tothe in-use position.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a drivemember that is movable along the track; where the drive member can bedrivingly connected to the motion assembly and the drive member isoperable to drive the motion assembly along the track between the loadposition and the in-use position; and the first lock unit may beadjustable between a locked stated and an unlocked state, in the lockedstate the first lock unit may prevent the drive member from moving alongthe track, and in the unlocked state the drive member may be movablealong the track.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a drivemember that is movable along the track; where the drive member can bedrivingly connected to the motion assembly and the drive member isoperable to drive the motion assembly along the track between the loadposition and the in-use position; and the first lock unit may beadjustable between a locked stated and an unlocked state, in the lockedstate the first lock unit may prevent the drive member from moving alongthe track, and in the unlocked state the drive member may be movablealong the track.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a rear stopmember positioned to engage the motion assembly when the motion assemblyis moved to the load position, where the rear stop member prevents themotion assembly from travelling rearward of the load position.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a dampingmember positioned to engage the motion assembly when the motion assemblyis moved to the in-use position, where the damping member slows themotion assembly as it reaches the in-use position and prevents themotion assembly from travelling forward of the in-use position.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a front stopmember positioned to engage the motion assembly when the motion assemblyis moved to the in-use position, where the front stop member preventsthe motion assembly from travelling forward of the load position.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a positionsensor positioned proximate the in-use position, where the positionsensor is operable to determine whether the motion assembly ispositioned in the in-use position.

In some embodiments, the user motion apparatus may include a positionsensor positioned proximate the in-use position, where the positionsensor is operable to determine whether the motion assembly ispositioned in the in-use position.

In some embodiments, when the motion assembly is positioned in thein-use position, the second lock unit may be adjustable between a lockedstate and an unlocked state, in the locked state the second lock unitmay secure the motion assembly in the in-use position and prevent themotion assembly from travelling rearward along the track, and in theunlocked state the motion assembly may be movable rearward along thetrack; the second lock unit may be biased to the locked state wherebywhen the motion assembly is moved to the in-use position, the secondlock unit automatically secures the motion assembly in the loadposition; and the second lock unit may be adjustable to the unlockedstate in response to a release signal from a remote release overrideswitch.

In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a mechanical lockpositioned to automatically engage the motion assembly when the motionassembly is moved to the in-use position.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a method ofcontrolling a motion assembly configured to support at least one rideraccommodation comprising:

(a) positioning the motion assembly in a load position along a track,wherein the track extends between a front end and a rear end in aforward-rearward direction;

(b) securing the motion assembly in the load position using a first lockunit, wherein the first lock unit holds the motion assembly in the loadposition when the first lock unit is engaged;

(c) releasing the first lock unit;

(d) moving the motion assembly along the track from the load position toan in-use position; and

(e) securing the motion assembly in the in-use position using a secondlock unit, wherein in operation the second lock unit holds the motionassembly in the in-use position when the second lock unit is engaged.

In some embodiments, the second lock unit may include a mechanical lock,and the method may include securing the motion assembly in the in-useposition by automatically engaging the motion assembly with themechanical lock as the motion assembly is moved to the in-use position.

In some embodiments, the method may include driving the motion assemblyalong the track using a drive member; and securing the motion assemblyin the load position by preventing the drive member from moving alongthe track using the first lock unit.

In some embodiments, the method may include driving the motion assemblyalong the track using a drive member; and securing the motion assemblyin the load position by preventing the drive member from moving alongthe track using the first lock unit.

In some embodiments, the method may include damping the forward motionof the motion assembly as the motion assembly reaches the in-useposition.

In some embodiments, the method may include releasing the second lockunit; and returning the motion assembly to the load position along thetrack.

In some embodiments, the method may include transmitting a releasesignal to the second lock unit from a remote control unit; and releasingthe second lock unit in response to the release signal.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle safety deviceincludes a momentum lock actuator. The momentum lock actuator candeactivate the momentum lock on the seatbelt realer to permit theseatbelt to move freely on the seatbelt realer. This may facilitaterapid loading and unloading of the vehicle, by allowing users to easilyextend and retract the seatbelt during loading. The vehicle safetydevice also includes a momentum lock sensor that monitors whether themomentum lock is activated or deactivated. The momentum lock sensor canbe used to ensure that the vehicle does not operate while the momentumlock is deactivated.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a vehicle safetydevice comprising:

(a) a seat belt mounted to a seat belt reel, wherein the seat belt isextendable from and retractable by the seat belt reel;

(b) a receiver configured to secure the seat belt;

(c) a lock unit movable between a locked position and an unlockedposition, wherein in the locked position the lock unit inhibits the seatbelt from being extended from the seat belt reel, and in the unlockedposition the seat belt is freely movable on the seat belt reel;

(d) a lock control unit operable to move the lock unit from the lockedposition to the unlocked position; and

(e) a lock position sensor operable to monitor the position of the lockunit.

In some embodiments, the lock unit may include a lock member configuredto lockingly engage the seat belt, where in the locked position the lockmember may engage the seat belt and inhibit motion of the seat belt fromthe seat belt reel; and the lock control unit may include a releasemember that is operable to drive the lock member from the lockedposition to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a solenoid, andthe solenoid may be configured to control the operation of the releasemember.

In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may include a solenoidmonitoring sensor, and the lock position sensor may be operable todetermine the position of the lock unit based on the state of thesolenoid.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be remotely connected toa vehicle controller, where the vehicle controller is operable tocontrol motion of a vehicle on which the vehicle safety device isinstalled; and operation of the lock control unit may be controlled bysignals from the vehicle controller.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be configured to receivea load signal from the vehicle controller, the load signal indicatingthat user loading is occurring; and the lock control unit may beconfigured to adjust the lock unit to the unlocked position in responseto the load signal.

In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may be remotely connectedto the vehicle controller; the lock position sensor may be configured totransmit a lock position signal to the vehicle controller indicatingwhether the lock unit is in the locked position or the unlockedposition; and the vehicle controller may be configured to preventoperation of the vehicle in response to determining that the lockposition signal indicates that the lock unit is in the unlockedposition.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a retractor for avehicle safety device, the retractor comprising:

(a) a seat belt mounted to a seatbelt real, wherein the seat belt isextendable from and retractable by the seat belt reel;

(b) a lock unit movable between a locked position and an unlockedposition, wherein in the locked position the lock unit inhibits the seatbelt from being extended from the seat belt reel, and in the unlockedposition the seat belt is freely movable on the seat belt reel;

(c) a lock control unit operable to move the lock unit from the lockedposition to the unlocked position; and

(d) a lock position sensor operable to monitor the position of the lockunit.

In some embodiments, the lock unit may include a lock member configuredto lockingly engage the seat belt, where in the locked position the lockmember may engage the seat belt and inhibit motion of the seat belt fromthe seat belt reel; and the lock control unit may include a releasemember that is operable to drive the lock member from the lockedposition to the unlocked position.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a solenoid, andthe solenoid may be configured to control the operation of the releasemember.

In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may include a solenoidmonitoring sensor, and the lock position sensor may be operable todetermine the position of the lock unit based on the state of thesolenoid.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be remotely connected toa vehicle controller, where the vehicle controller is operable tocontrol motion of a vehicle on which the vehicle safety device isinstalled; and operation of the lock control unit may be controlled bysignals from the vehicle controller.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may be configured to receivea load signal from the vehicle controller, the load signal indicatingthat user loading is occurring; and the lock control unit may beconfigured to adjust the lock unit to the unlocked position in responseto the load signal.

In some embodiments, the lock position sensor may be remotely connectedto the vehicle controller; the lock position sensor may be configured totransmit a lock position signal to the vehicle controller indicatingwhether the lock unit is in the locked position or the unlockedposition; and the vehicle controller may be configured to preventoperation of the vehicle in response to determining that the lockposition signal indicates that the lock unit is in the unlockedposition.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a method ofcontrolling the operation of a user vehicle, wherein the user vehiclecomprises at least one seat, and each seat comprises a vehicle safetydevice that includes a seat belt mounted to a seat belt reel, the methodcomprising:

(a) identifying a vehicle activation condition, the vehicle activationcondition indicating that the user vehicle is to be moved;

(b) transmitting an activation signal to a lock control unit, whereinthe lock control unit is configured to control the operation of a seatbelt lock, wherein the lock control unit is configured to adjust theseat belt lock to a locked position in response to the vehicleactivation signal, wherein in the locked position the seat belt lockinhibits the seat belt from moving on the seat belt reel;

(c) monitoring a position of the seat belt lock unit;

(d) transmitting the monitored position of the seat belt lock unit to avehicle controller; and

(e) preventing the user vehicle from moving in response to the monitoredposition indicating that the seat belt lock unit is in an unlockedposition.

In some embodiments, the method may include determining that the uservehicle is in a load position; transmitting a lock deactivation signalto the lock control unit in response to determining that the uservehicle is in the load position; in response to the lock deactivationsignal adjusting, by the lock control unit, the seat belt lock to theunlocked position, wherein in the unlocked position the seat belt isfreely movable on the seat belt reel.

In some embodiments, the lock control unit may include a release memberusable to adjust the position of the seat belt lock unit; and theposition of the seat belt lock unit may be monitored by monitoring therelease member.

In some embodiments, the method may include determining that the seatbelt lock is in the locked position; and moving the user vehicle along atrack from a load position to an in-use position.

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a motion platformapparatus includes a motion platform that supports a seating assembly.The motion platform is movable along a track between a loading positionand an in-use position. The seating assembly can be adjusted between aload position in which the front of each seat is lowered to facilitateloading and a motion position in which the front of each seat is raised.The seating assembly can be adjusted to the motion position prior tomoving the motion platform along the track. This may prevent users fromdragging their feet along the track as the motion platform moves betweenthe loading position and the in-use position.

The seating assembly may also be mounted so that when the motionplatform is in the ride position, the front end of each seat ispositioned forward of the front end of the platform and/or track. Thismay help prevent users from contacting the track or motion platform asthe seating assembly moves during a motion simulation experience.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion platformapparatus comprising:

(a) a fixed base having a front end and a rear end, the base comprisingan upper base surface and a track, wherein the upper base surfaceextends between the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearwarddirection and the track extends in the forward-rearward direction;

(b) a motion platform that extends between a platform front end and aplatform rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motionplatform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform ismovable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and

(c) a seating assembly that is mounted on the motion platform, whereinthe seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat baseand a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front endand a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;

wherein

the motion platform is movable along the track to position the seatingassembly in a load position and in an in-use position, wherein the loadposition of the seating assembly is rearward of the in-use position;

each seat front end is forward of the platform front end; and

the seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform underneath theseat base.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be adjustable between aload state and a motion state, where in the load state each user seat ispositioned in a first orientation, and in the motion state each userseat is positioned in a second orientation, where in the secondorientation each user seat is tilted rearwardly relative to the firstorientation.

In some embodiments, in the second orientation the seat base may betilted rearwardly with the seat front end positioned higher than theseat rear end.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be configured to bemaintained in the motion state while the motion platform moves along thetrack between the load position and the in-use position.

In some embodiments, when the motion platform is in the load positionand the seating assembly is in the load state, the seat front end may bepositioned at a first height relative to the motion platform; and whenthe motion platform moves along the track, the seat front end may bepositioned at a second height relative to the motion platform, where thesecond height is greater than the first height.

In some embodiments, when the seating assembly is positioned in thein-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the front end ofthe base.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be mounted to the motionplatform by a movable seat support assembly; and the seat supportassembly may be operable to move the seating assembly with at leastthree degrees of freedom when the seating assembly is positioned in thein-use position.

In some embodiments, the motion platform apparatus may be enclosedwithin a motion bay, where the motion bay extends between a bay frontend and a bay rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and a displayscreen may be positioned forward of the bay front end; and when theseating assembly is positioned in the in-use position, each seat frontend may be forward of the bay front end.

In some embodiments, a motion simulation system may include at least twomotion platform apparatuses, the at least two motion platformapparatuses including a first motion platform apparatus and a secondmotion platform apparatus, where the first motion platform apparatus maybe enclosed within a first motion bay, where the first motion bayextends between a first bay front end and a first bay rear end in theforward-rearward direction; the second motion platform apparatus may beenclosed within in a second motion bay, wherein the second motion bayextends between a second bay front end and a second bay rear end in theforward-rearward direction; a display screen may be positioned forwardof the first bay front end and the second bay front end; and the firstmotion bay may be positioned underneath the second motion bay, with thesecond bay front end forward of the first bay front end.

In some embodiments, the first motion bay may include an extensionmember that extends laterally across the front end of the base of thefirst motion bay above the first motion platform; the extension membermay include a feature delivery system positioned to face the firstmotion bay, where the feature delivery system is configured to direct atleast one of a fluid element and a scent element to the first motionbay.

In some embodiments, the extension member may extend outwardly from thefirst motion bay forward of the second bay front end whereby theextension member is positioned to catch debris from the second motionbay.

In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a motion platformapparatus comprising:

(a) a fixed base having a front end and a rear end, the base comprisingan upper base surface and a track, wherein the upper base surfaceextends between the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearwarddirection and the track extends in the forward-rearward direction;

(b) a motion platform that extends between a platform front end and aplatform rear end in the forward-rearward direction, wherein the motionplatform is movably mounted on the track and the motion platform ismovable along the track in the forward-rearward direction; and

(c) a seating assembly that is mounted to the motion platform, whereinthe seating assembly comprises at least one user seat having a seat baseand a seat back, wherein each seat base extends between a seat front endand a seat rear end in the forward-rearward direction;

wherein

the motion platform is movable along the track to position the seatingassembly in a load position and in an in-use position, wherein the loadposition of the seating assembly is rearward of the in-use position;

the seating assembly is adjustable between a load state and a motionstate, wherein in the load state each user seat is positioned in a firstorientation, and in the motion state each user seat is positioned in asecond orientation, wherein in the second orientation each user seat istilted rearwardly relative to the first orientation; and

the seating assembly is mounted to the motion platform underneath theseat base.

In some embodiments, in the second orientation the seat base may betilted rearwardly with the seat front end positioned higher than theseat rear end.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be configured to bemaintained in the motion state while the motion platform moves along thetrack between the load position and the in-use position.

In some embodiments, when the motion platform is in the load positionand the seating assembly is in the load state, the seat front end may bepositioned at a first height relative to the motion platform; and whenthe motion platform moves along the track, the seat front end may bepositioned at a second height relative to the motion platform, where thesecond height is greater than the first height.

In some embodiments, when the seating assembly is positioned in thein-use position, each seat front end may be forward of the front end ofthe base.

In some embodiments, each seat front end may be forward of the platformfront end.

In some embodiments, the seating assembly may be mounted to the motionplatform by a movable seat support assembly; and the seat supportassembly may be operable to move the seating assembly with at leastthree degrees of freedom when the seating assembly is positioned in thein-use position.

In some embodiments, the motion platform apparatus may be enclosedwithin a motion bay, where the motion bay extends between a bay frontend and a bay rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and a displayscreen may be positioned forward of the bay front end; and when theseating assembly is positioned in the in-use position, each seat frontend may be forward of the bay front end

In accordance with an aspect of this disclosure, a user motion apparatusis positioned within a motion bay. The motion apparatus can move betweena load position and a ride position. The motion bay includes aretractable bay wall that is movable between a load position and amotion position. In the load position, the bay wall is retracted toprovide access to the motion assembly from the entranceway of the motionbay. In the motion position, the bay wall provides a continuous wallsurface along the side of the motion assembly. The continuous wallsection may avoid changes in surface textures and pinch points adjacentto the motion assembly as it moves between the load position and thein-use position, which may prevent user injuries. The movable bay wallmay thus permit the motion assembly to occupy a greater portion of themotion bay while providing a safe rider experience.

In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a motion platformsystem comprising:

(a) a motion bay having a bay front end, a bay rear end, a first lateralbay side, and a second lateral bay side opposed to the first lateral bayside, wherein the motion bay extends between the bay front end and thebay rear end in a forward-rearward direction;

(b) a motion platform that is moveably mounted within the motion bay,wherein the motion platform has a platform front end, a platform rearend, a first lateral platform side and a second lateral platform side,wherein the motion platform extends between the platform front end andthe platform rear end in the forward-rearward direction, and the motionplatform supports at least one rider accommodation;

(c) an entranceway formed in the first lateral side of the motion bay,the entranceway sized to permit riders to enter and exit the motion baythrough the entranceway; and

(d) a bay wall that is movably mounted on the first lateral bay side,wherein the bay wall is movable between a wall load position and a wallmotion position;

wherein

the motion platform is movable along a platform motion path between aload position and an in-use position, wherein the platform motion pathextends in the forward-rearward direction, the in-use position isproximate the bay front end, and the load position is rearward of thein-use position;

the entranceway is adjacent to a portion of the platform motion path;

in the wall motion position, the bay wall defines a continuous wallsection adjacent to the first lateral platform side throughout theplatform motion path, wherein the continuous wall section separates themotion platform from the entranceway; and

in the wall load position, the bay wall is receded to provide accessfrom the entranceway to the motion platform.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be adjustable between the wallload position and the wall motion position when the motion platform isin the load position; and the bay wall may be positioned in the wallmotion position prior to the motion platform being moved to the in-useposition.

In some embodiments, the motion platform may only be movable between theload position and the in-use position when the bay wall is positioned inthe wall motion position.

In some embodiments, the entranceway may be located proximate the bayfront end; and the wall load position may be rearward of the wall motionposition.

In some embodiments, when the bay wall is positioned in the wall motionposition, the bay wall may define a continuous wall section extendingfrom the load position of the seating assembly to the bay front end.

In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include aretractable front door, where the front door is adjustable between anopen position in which the bay front end is open and a closed positionin which the bay front end is closed by the front door.

In some embodiments, the bay wall and the retractable front door mayshare a track section.

In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include a wallposition sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay wall; and adoor control unit in communication with the wall position sensor, wherethe door control unit may be configured to prevent the front door fromopening when the bay wall is in the wall load position.

In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include: a frontdoor position sensor operable to monitor a position of the front door;and a wall control unit in communication with the front door positionsensor, where the wall control unit may be configured to prevent the baywall from moving to the wall load position unless the front door is inthe closed position.

In some embodiments, the motion platform system may include a wallposition sensor operable to monitor a position of the bay wall; and acontrol unit in communication with the position sensor, where thecontrol unit may be configured to prevent the motion platform frommoving to the in-use position unless the bay wall is in the wall motionposition.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from the firstlateral platform side of the motion platform by less than 18 inches whenthe bay wall is in the wall load position.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from the firstlateral platform side of the motion platform by less than 12 inches whenthe bay wall is in the wall load position.

Also in accordance with this aspect, there is provided a user motionsystem comprising:

-   -   (a) a motion bay having a bay front end, a bay rear end, a first        lateral bay side, and a second lateral bay side opposed to the        first lateral bay side, wherein the motion bay extends between        the bay front end and the bay rear end in a forward-rearward        direction;    -   (b) a motion assembly that is moveably mounted within the motion        bay, wherein the motion assembly has an assembly front end, an        assembly rear end, a first lateral assembly side and a second        lateral assembly side, wherein the motion assembly extends        between the assembly front end and the assembly rear end in the        forward-rearward direction, and the motion assembly supports at        least one rider accommodation;    -   (c) an entranceway formed in the first lateral side of the        motion bay, the entranceway sized to permit riders to enter and        exit the motion bay through the entranceway; and    -   (d) a bay wall that is movably mounted on the first lateral bay        side, wherein the bay wall is movable between a wall load        position and a wall motion position;    -   wherein    -   the motion assembly is movable along an assembly motion path        between a load position and an in-use position, wherein the        assembly motion path extends in the forward-rearward direction,        the in-use position is proximate the bay front end, and the load        position is rearward of the in-use position;    -   the entranceway is adjacent to a portion of the assembly motion        path;    -   in the wall motion position, the bay wall defines a continuous        wall section adjacent to the first lateral assembly side,        wherein the continuous wall section separates the motion        assembly from the entranceway; and    -   in the wall load position, the bay wall is receded to provide        access from the entranceway to the motion assembly.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be adjustable between the wallload position and the wall motion position when the motion assembly isin the load position; and the bay wall may be positioned in the wallmotion position prior to the motion assembly being moved to the in-useposition.

In some embodiments, the motion assembly may only be movable between theload position and the in-use position when the bay wall is positioned inthe wall motion position.

In some embodiments, the entranceway may be located proximate the bayfront end; and the wall load position may be rearward of the wall motionposition.

In some embodiments, when the bay wall is positioned in the wall motionposition, the bay wall may define a continuous wall section extendingfrom the load position of the motion assembly to the bay front end.

In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a retractablefront door, where the front door is adjustable between an open positionin which the bay front end is open and a closed position in which thebay front end is closed by the front door.

In some embodiments, the bay wall and the retractable front door mayshare a track section.

In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a wall positionsensor operable to monitor a position of the bay wall; and a doorcontrol unit in communication with the wall position sensor, where thedoor control unit is configured to prevent the front door from openingwhen the bay wall is in the wall load position.

In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a front doorposition sensor operable to monitor a position of the front door; and awall control unit in communication with the front door position sensor,where the wall control unit is configured to prevent the bay wall frommoving to the wall load position unless the front door is in the closedposition.

In some embodiments, the user motion system may include a wall positionsensor operable to monitor a position of the bay wall; and a controlunit in communication with the position sensor, where the control unitis configured to prevent the motion assembly from moving to the in-useposition unless the bay wall is in the wall motion position.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from the firstlateral assembly side of the motion assembly by less than 18 inches whenthe bay wall is in the wall load position.

In some embodiments, the bay wall may be spaced apart from the firstlateral assembly side of the motion assembly by less than 12 inches whenthe bay wall is in the wall load position.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that an apparatus,system or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of thefeatures contained herein and that the features may be used in anyparticular combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will bedescribed in greater detail below.

DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show moreclearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an example motion simulatorinstallation in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an example seating installationthat may be used with the motion simulator installation of FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the example seating installation of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the example seating installation of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an example motion platform systemthat may be used with the motion simulator installation of FIG. 1 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the example motion platform systemof FIG. 5 with a front door in a closed position in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a front view of the example motion platform system of FIG. 5with the front door in an open position in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the example motion platform system of FIG. 5 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the example motion platform system of FIG. 5in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a front view of an example motion platform apparatus inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the example motion platform apparatus ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example mounting unit for a seatingassembly that may be used with the motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an example tolerance accommodationmember in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a top view of the example tolerance accommodation member ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is side view of the example tolerance accommodation member ofFIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the example tolerance accommodationmember of FIG. 13 along line 16-16 in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an isolated top view of the example motion platform apparatusof FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance accommodation member of FIG. 13in an installed position accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a perspective sectional view of the example motion platformapparatus of FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance accommodation memberof FIG. 13 in the installed position accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a sectional side view of the example motion platformapparatus of FIG. 10 showing the example tolerance accommodation memberof FIG. 13 in the installed position accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 20 is side sectional view of the example motion platform apparatusof FIG. 10 along line 20-20 in FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 21 is an isolation view of region 21′ in FIG. 20 showing an examplemounting assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 22 is an isolated top view of the example motion platform apparatusof FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 23 is an isolated perspective top view of the example motionplatform apparatus of FIG. 10 showing an example mounting assembly inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 24 is side sectional view of the example motion platform apparatusof FIG. 10 along line 20-20 in FIG. 10 showing the seating assembly in aride position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a side sectional view of an example lock unit that may beused with the example motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 26 is an opposite side section view of the example lock unit ofFIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a top perspective view of the example lock unit of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a perspective isolation view of the example lock unit of FIG.25 and an example damping member that may be used with the examplemotion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 29 is a side sectional view of an example positioning member thatmay be used with the example motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 30 is a bottom side perspective view of another example positioningmember that may be used with the example motion platform apparatus ofFIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the example positioning member of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a seatbelt receiver assembly that maybe used with the motion platform apparatus of FIG. 10 with the seatbeltin an engaged position in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 33 is a side perspective view of a seat belt realer assembly thatmay be used with the seatbelt receiver assembly of FIG. 32 in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 34 is a top rear perspective view of the seatbelt realer assemblyof FIG. 33 with a realer lock unit in a disengaged position inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 35 is a top rear perspective view of the seatbelt realer assemblyof FIG. 33 with the realer lock unit in an engaged position inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the example motion platform apparatus of FIG.10 with a seating assembly in a load state in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 37 is a side view of the example motion platform apparatus of FIG.10 with the seating assembly in a motion state in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 38 is a rear perspective view of a seating assembly and bay wallthat may be used with the example motion platform system of FIG. 5 inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 39 is a top front perspective view of the seating assembly and baywall of FIG. 38 with a movable bay wall in a motion position inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 40 is a front perspective view of the seating assembly and bay wallof FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the motion position;

FIG. 41 is a top front perspective view of the seating assembly and baywall of FIG. 38 with a movable bay wall in a load position in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the seating assembly and bay wallof FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load position;

FIG. 43 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38with the movable bay wall in the load position;

FIG. 44 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38with the movable bay wall in the load position and a track supportassembly omitted in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 45 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38with the movable bay wall in the motion position and a track supportassembly omitted in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 46 is a top view of the seating assembly and bay wall of FIG. 38with the movable bay wall in the motion position;

FIG. 47 is a side perspective view of the bay wall and track supportassembly of FIG. 38 with the movable bay wall in the load position inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 48 is a side view of the bay wall of FIG. 38 with the movable baywall in the load position and a fixed wall section omitted in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 49 is a perspective view of an example wall mounting assembly thatmay be used with the bay wall of FIG. 48 in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 50 is a front sectional view of the wall mounting assembly of FIG.49; and

FIG. 51 is a rear perspective view of a door mounting assembly that maybe used with the motion platform system of FIG. 5 in accordance with anembodiment.

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofsystems, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the presentspecification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taughtin any way.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

Various apparatuses, systems, and methods are described below to providean example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those describedbelow. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, systems,and methods having all of the features of any one apparatuses, systems,and methods described below or to features common to multiple or all ofthe apparatuses, systems, or methods described below. It is possiblethat an apparatuses, systems, or methods described below is not anembodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in anapparatus, system, or method described below that is not claimed in thisdocument may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, forexample, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s),inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, ordedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in thisdocument.

The terms “an embodiment,” “embodiment,” “embodiments,” “theembodiment,” “the embodiments,” “one or more embodiments,” “someembodiments,” and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all)embodiments of the present invention(s),” unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to,” unless expressly specified otherwise. Alisting of items does not imply that any or all of the items aremutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,”“an” and “the” mean “one or more,” unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be“coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts arejoined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., throughone or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As usedherein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directlycoupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directlyfastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with eachother. As used herein, two or more parts are said to be “rigidlycoupled”, “rigidly connected”, “rigidly attached”, or “rigidly fastened”where the parts are coupled so as to move as one while maintaining aconstant orientation relative to each other. None of the terms“coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish themanner in which two or more parts are joined together.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity ofillustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may berepeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogouselements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in orderto provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments describedherein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in theart that the example embodiments described herein may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as notto obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, thedescription is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the exampleembodiments described herein.

Modular Stacked Motion Simulator System

Referring to FIGS. 1-51, shown there is an example motion simulatorsystem 100. Motion simulator system 100 is an example of a motionsimulator system that can be deployed in a modular manner. Thecomponents of motion simulator system 100 may facilitate installation invenues of varying size, including retro-fit installations in existingvenues as well as installations within purpose-built venues.

Motion simulator system 100 can include a display 120 and at least onemotion assembly positioned to face the display. The motion assembly cansupport at least one rider accommodation 290 for a user of the motionsimulator system 100. The motion assembly can be configured to provide amotion simulation experience to a user positioned in the rideraccommodation 290 that is coordinated with a visual display provided bydisplay 120.

The motion simulator system 100 may also include additional outputcomponents, such as one or more speakers to provide audio output. Insome cases, motion simulator system 100 can include additional effectcomponents to provide effects such as wind effects, misting effects, andodor effect. The components of the motion simulator system 100 can becontroller to provide a coordinated/synchronized motion simulationexperience to a user positioned in a rider accommodation 290.

In the example illustrated, the motion simulator system 100 can includeat least one motion compartment or pod or bay 110. Each motion bay 110can be positioned to face the display 120.

As shown in FIG. 4, the motion simulator system 100 has a front end 102,rear end 104, upper or top end 106, and lower or bottom end 108. Thedisplay 120 can be positioned at the front end 102 with the one or moremotion bays 110 positioned towards the rear end 104.

In the example illustrated, motion simulator system 100 can provideusers with a motion simulation experience through a combination ofmovable rider accommodations positioned within the motion bays 110 and acoordinated display provided on display 120.

Each motion bay 110 has a front end 112, rear end 114, upper or top end116, and lower or bottom end 118. Each motion bay 110 can be arrangedwith the front end 112 facing the display 120. The front end 112 of eachmotion bay 110 may be open or openable to allow users to view thedisplay 120.

As shown in FIG. 1, the display 120 may be provided as a domed orrounded display screen. This may increase the field of vision displayedto a user as the seating assembly 300 moves. Alternately, display 120may be provided as a flat display screen that may accommodate smallervenues and lower costs for the motion simulator system 100.

The motion simulator system 100 can include an output display systemoperable to provide a high-definition visual display on the displayscreen 120. For example, the motion simulator system 100 may include aprojection system that operates to project a display onto a screenprovided by display 120. The projection system may include one or moreprojectors.

For example, multiple high lumens 4K digital projectors may be used toproject a visual display onto a domed screen provided by the display120. The projectors may be calibrated to provide a consistent,high-quality image on the display 120. For instance, an auto calibrationsystem may be used to coordinate and align the output from eachprojector.

The motion simulator system can also include an audio output system. Theaudio output system may be configured based on the particular geometryof the motion simulator system 100 and the arrangement of motion bays110. The audio output system can include a plurality of speakersarranged around the motion simulator system to provide surround sound toriders positioned in the rider accommodations 290.

In general, motion simulator system 100 can include one or more motionplatform apparatus 200 facing the display 120. Each motion platformapparatus 200 can include at least one rider accommodation 290.

The rider accommodations 290 can be movably mounted when positionedfacing the display 120. A movable mounting unit may be used to movablymount the rider accommodations 290. The movable mounting unit can beconfigured to allow the rider accommodations 290 to move with multipledegrees of freedom when in a ride position. This may provide users witha motion simulation experience that can be synchronized with imagesdisplayed on the display 120.

For example, the rider accommodations 290 may be supported from belowusing a mounting unit that includes a multi-degree of freedom motionsystem 700. Alternately, the rider accommodations 290 may be supportedfrom the rear and/or above, e.g. using a mounting unit that includes arear or overhead suspension support system.

As shown, the motion simulator system 100 can include a plurality ofmotion platform apparatuses 200, including motion platform apparatuses200 a-200 d. Each motion platform apparatus 200 can include at least onerider accommodation 290. Each rider accommodation 290 is configured toaccommodate a user or rider of the motion platform. The motion platformapparatus 200 can be configured to support one or more users during amotion simulator experience.

As illustrated, each motion platform apparatus 200 includes a seatingassembly 300. The seating assembly 300 can provide rider accommodations290 in the form of one or more seats 350. Each seat 350 can include aseat base 352 upon which a rider can be seated when using the motionsimulator system 100. Alternately, rider accommodations 290 thataccommodate riders in an upright position and/or supported by a harnessor other support may be used.

The seating assemblies 300 can be positioned in an in-use position (seee.g. FIG. 24) facing the display 120. Users seated in the seatingassemblies 300 can then view the display 120. The in-use position maydefine a ride position for the motion simulator system 100. The rideposition for each seating assembly 300 can be defined so that thedisplay 120 is visible from each rider accommodation 290 within themotion simulator system.

As shown in the example of FIGS. 1-4, the motion simulator system 100can include a plurality of motion bays 110 a-110 e. The display 120 canbe positioned forward of the front end 112 of each motion bay 110 a-110f. Each motion bay 110 a-110 f can in turn include one or more motionplatform apparatus 200.

In the example illustrated, each motion bay 110 a-110 f includes twomotion platform apparatuses 200. Alternately, each motion bay 110 mayinclude greater or fewer motion platform apparatuses 200. Alternately orin addition, the motion bays 110 may not all contain the same number ofmotion platform apparatuses 200.

For example, different motion bays 110 may contain different numbers ofmotion platform apparatuses 200 within the same motion simulator system100. This may allow the motion simulator system 100 to maximize seatingcapacity of any given venue within which motion simulator system 100 islocated. This may also allow a venue to contain multiple motionsimulator systems of differing size. The size of display 120 may alsovary based on the venue size and/or the number of motion assembliespositioned facing the display 120.

As illustrated, the motion bays 110 can be shaped to permit a modularassembly of the motion simulator system 100. The motion bays 110 withinthe motion simulator system 100 can be arranged based on the size of thevenue and/or the shape and size of the display 120 to maximize ridercapacity while providing a consistent rider experience in viewingdisplay 120.

Each motion bay 110 can include a generally rectangular outer perimeter.This may facilitate vertical and/or horizontal stacking of motion bays110. Accordingly, particular configuration of the motion simulatorsystem 110 may be defined based on the particular installation demandsof a given motion simulator system.

In the example illustrated, the motion simulator system 100 includes sixmotion bays 110. Each motion bay 110 includes a pair of motion platformapparatuses 200 and each motion platform apparatus 200 supports aseating assembly 300 that includes five seats 350. The example motionsimulator system 100 thus provides a total capacity of sixty ridersfacing the display 120 for a motion simulation experience.

The example motion simulator system 100 illustrated includes a stackedarrangement (a vertical stack) of motion bays 110 a-110 c and 110 d-110f. In the example illustrated, motion simulator system 100 includesthree vertical levels of motion bays with each vertical level includinga pair of horizontally adjacent motion bays. A top level includesadjacent motion bays 110 a and 110 d, an intermediate level includesadjacent motion bays 110 b and 110 e, and a lower level includesadjacent motion bays 110 c and 110 f.

The example motion simulator system 100 illustrated also includes aplurality of horizontal or lateral stacks of motion bays 110 a and 110d, 110 b and 110 e, and 110 c and 110 f. As shown, the motions bays 110positioned within each horizontal stack are positioned laterallyadjacent to one another.

As shown, motion bay 110 b is positioned underneath motion bay 110 a andmotion bay 110 c is positioned underneath motion bay 110 b. Similarly,motion bay 110 f is positioned underneath motion bay 110 e, which inturn is positioned under motion bay 110 d. The vertical stacks 110 a-110c and 110 d-110 f can positioned laterally adjacent to one another,facing the same display 120, as shown in FIG. 1.

In the example illustrated, a first motion bay 110 b extends between abay front end 112 b and a bay rear end 114 b in a forward-rearwarddirection 113. Motion bay 110 b encloses a pair of motion platformapparatuses 200 c and 200 d.

Similarly, a second motion bay 110 a extends between a bay front end 112a and a bay rear end 114 a in the forward-rearward direction 113. Themotion bay 110 a also encloses a pair of motion platform apparatuses 200a and 200 b. The second bay front end is positioned forward 112 a of thefirst bay front end 112 b. With the domed screen 120 in motion simulatorsystem 100, this arrangement of motion bays 110 may provide a moreconsistent visual experience to riders in each of the motion bays 110,as the view of the lower portion of display 120 is unobscured by ridersbelow.

As the seating assemblies 300 are moved to the ride position, the frontend 356 of each seat 350 may extend forward of the front end 112 of thecorresponding motion bay 110. Users positioned beyond the front end 112of the motion bay 110 and may drop articles and debris towards themotion bays below.

Each motion bay 110 can include an upper canopy or extension member 130near the front end 112. The canopy 130 may prevent debris from uppermotion bays falling onto riders seated in the motion bays below.

For example, canopy or extension member 130 b can extend laterallyacross the front end 112 of the motion bay 110 b below and forward ofthe base 410 of the motion bay 110 a above. The extension member 130 bcan extend outwardly from the motion bay 110 b forward of the second bayfront end 112 a. Accordingly, extension member 130 b may positioned tocatch debris from the motion bay 110 a.

In the example illustrated, extension member 130 may include a topsurface 132 configured to inhibit debris from an upper motion bay (e.g.motion bay 110 a) from hitting riders in a low motion bay (e.g. motionbay 110 b). For example, the top surface 132 may define a debriscatchment region 136 and/or trough shaped to capture debris falling fromabove motions bays (see e.g. FIGS. 2 and 4). Alternately or in addition,the top surface 132 may be shaped or angled to deflect debris forward ofthe front end 112 of the below motion bays 110, so that falling debrisavoids riders positioned below.

Optionally, the motion simulator system 100 may also include additionaleffect elements 134 such as fluid elements (e.g. water mist or wind)and/or odor/scent elements. The motion simulator system 100 may beconfigured to deliver the additional effects to riders positioned in therider accommodation as part of the motion simulation experience.

In some examples, the additional effect elements 134 may include a fluiddelivery element operable to deliver a mist or spray of water to riderspositioned in the rider accommodations. The fluid delivery element mayinclude at least one misting nozzle configured to direct a highlyatomized spray of water towards the riders positioned in the rideraccommodations.

For example, a motion bay 110 can include a fluid delivery element foreach seat 350 positioned within that motion bay 110. Alternately or inaddition, a combined fluid delivery system may be positioned to spraywater on each seating assembly 300 or on all of the motion platformapparatuses 200 positioned within a motion bay 110.

The fluid delivery element can include a valve that can be operated tocontrol the delivery of water to the riders. The operation of the fluiddelivery element can be coordinate with the motion simulation experience(e.g. with the motion of the rider accommodations 290 and the displayshown on screen 120).

Alternately or in addition, the additional effect elements 134 mayinclude a fluid delivery element operable to deliver a flow of airtowards the riders. For example, the fluid delivery element may providea flow of air configured to simulate wind flowing towards the riders.For example, the flow of air can be directed towards the riders withairflow rates between about 100 and 300 ft./min within a defined regionof the rider accommodations in which users are expected to bepositioned. In some examples, the flow of air can be directed towardsthe riders with airflow rates between about 150 and 250 ft./min.

The fluid delivery element may include one or more fans. The fans may beoperable to direct a flow of air towards the rider accommodations. Thefans may include a plurality of operational speeds. The operationalspeed of the fans may be controlled to provide variable airflow rate tothe rider accommodations.

In some examples, the fans may direct air towards an output plenum. Theoutput plenum can include a plurality of airflow outlets. Each airflowoutlet can be positioned facing one of the rider accommodations.Optionally, each airflow outlet may include adjustable vanes that can becontrolled to balance airflow through the outlets.

In some examples, the additional effect elements 134 may include a scentdelivery element operable to deliver one or more scents to the riderspositioned in the rider accommodations. For example, motion simulatorsystem may include a scent cabinet configured to generate one or morescents. The scent cabinet can be fluidly coupled to the motion bays 110.

The operation of a scent delivery element may be coordinated with theoperation of an airflow delivery element. For example, fans may be usedto distribute the scents towards the rider accommodations. This mayfacilitate rapid delivery and dissipation of scents within the motionbays 110.

The additional effect elements 134 may be mounted within each bay 110 toface the rider accommodations 290. For example, the effect elements 134may be mounted to the upper end or lower end of each motion bay 110. Theadditional effect elements 134 may be hidden or obscured from eachriders view so that effect elements 134 do not interfere with thedisplay shown on screen 120.

For example, extension member 130 may include a feature delivery system134. Feature delivery system 134 can be positioned to face the interiorof the corresponding motion bay 110. The feature delivery system 134 canbe configured to direct at least one of a fluid element and a scentelement to the first motion bay 110. For example, the feature deliverysystem 134 can include one or more fluid delivery elements and/or scentdelivery elements.

Motion simulator system 100 can also include one or more controllercomponents. The controller components may be implemented using one ormore processors, such as general-purpose microprocessors, fieldprogrammable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,microcontrollers, or other suitable computer processors.

The particular number and arrangement of controller within the motionsimulator system 100 may vary. For example, a central controller may beconfigured to control the operation of the entire motion simulatorsystem 100. Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system 100may include a bay controller for each motion bay 110. Alternately or inaddition, the motion simulator system 100 may include a motioncontroller assembly for each motion platform apparatus 200.

For example, a vehicle controller may be configured to control operationof the motion platform apparatuses 200. Optionally, a single vehiclecontroller may be configured to control operation of all of the motionplatform apparatuses 200 within system 100. Alternately, a separatevehicle controller may be provided for each motion bay 110. Alternatelyor in addition, a separate vehicle controller may be provided for eachmotion platform apparatus 200. For simplicity, operation of variouscontroller components such as the vehicle controller will be describedherein. However, it should be appreciated that various differentarrangements of control components may be used to implement the controloperations described herein.

In some examples, the control components may include an operator controlconsole. The operator control console may be used by an operator ofmotion simulator system 100 to control the operation of the overallmotion simulation experience provided by motion simulator system 100.The operator control console may provide user input controls usable tocontrol the operation of motion simulation experience. Alternately or inaddition, the operator control console may provide user input controlsusable to control maintenance and configuration settings of the motionsimulator system 100.

In some examples, the control components may include a plurality ofoperator control consoles. For example, the motion simulator system mayinclude a central operator control console. The central operator controlconsole may be positioned within a master control region of the venue.The central operator control console may provide user inputs usable tocontrol the overall operation of the motion simulator system 100.

Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system may include aplurality of bay level control consoles. The motion simulator system 100may include one bay level control console for each vertical row ofmotion bays 110. For instance, motion simulator 100 may include threebay level control consoles. The bay level control consoles may provideuser inputs usable to control the operation of the equipment (e.g.motion platform apparatuses 200, walls 850, doors 900, effect elements134 etc.) provided by the motion bays 110 on the corresponding row.

Alternately or in addition, the motion simulator system may include aplurality of bay control consoles. The motion simulator system 100 mayinclude one bay control console for each motion bay 110. The bay controlconsoles may be positioned within a control unit 150 positioned withineach motion bay 110 (see e.g. FIG. 41). For instance, motion simulator100 may include six bay control consoles. The bay control consoles mayprovide user inputs usable to control the operation of the equipment(e.g. motion platform apparatuses 200, walls 850, doors 900, effectelements 134 etc.) provided by the corresponding motion bay 110.

Each motion bay 110 can be configured as an essentially self-containedrider motion system. Each motion bay 110 can include control elementsusable to control the operation of the rider assemblies positionedtherein (e.g. motion platform 400, seating assembly 300, seat supportassembly 700) as well as other operational elements associated with themotion bay 110 (e.g. additional effect elements 134, movable bay wall850, openable front door 900 etc.). The operation of each motion bay 110can also be coordinated with the visual display shown on screen 120—e.g.through the bay control elements and/or a central controller.Furthermore, the operation of the motion bays 110 can be synchronizedwith operation of the other motion bays 110 to provide a consistent andcoordinated motion simulation experience.

In some examples, the motion bays 110 may be configured to operateindependently from one another. That is, in some examples operation ofany given motion bay 110 does not depend on the operation of any othermotion bays. The operation of the motion bays 110 may be controlledindependently, but in a coordinated manner, in order to provide aconsistent motion simulation experience across the different motion bays110.

For example, the motion simulator system 100 may be configured tocontinue operation even with one or more motion bays 110 inoperable.When one of the motion bays 110 ceases operation (e.g. due tomaintenance or failure), the remaining motion bays 110 can continueoperating within the motion simulator system 100. This may increase theoperational uptime of the motion simulator system 100. This may alsofacilitate maintenance of the motion bays 110, as maintenance toindividual bays may be performed while the other bays continue tooperate.

The motion simulator system 100 may be configured to control theoperations of the motions bays 110 so that only motions bays 110 inwhich riders are positioned are activated. This may avoid unnecessarywear on motion bays 110 that are not providing riders with a motionsimulation experience. This may also allow maintenance to continue onnon-operational motion bays 110 while other motion bays 110 continueoperation.

In some cases, only those motion platform apparatuses 200 in which usersare positioned may be actuated. For example, where a motion bay 110includes multiple motion assemblies but riders are not positioned in oneof those motion assemblies, the motion simulator system 100 may onlyactuate the motion assemblies having riders. This may avoid unnecessarywear on motion assemblies that are not being used by riders.

In some examples, the motion simulator system 100 can determine that atleast one of the rider motion apparatuses (e.g. one of the motionplatform apparatuses 200) is in an inactive state. For example, themotion simulator system 100 may determine that a rider motion apparatusis in an inactive state when that rider motion apparatus is unoccupiedand/or nonoperational. The motion simulator system 100 may actuate onlya subset of the rider motion apparatuses in response to determining thatthe at least one of the rider motion apparatuses is in the inactivestate. The subset of rider motion apparatuses that are actuated canexclude the rider motion apparatuses in the inactive state. The motionsimulator system 100 may then provide the motion simulation experienceto the subset of rider motion apparatuses 200 without providing themotion simulation experience to the inactive rider motion apparatus 200.In some examples, the motion simulator system 100 may leave the excludedrider motion apparatuses stationary during the motion simulatorexperience.

For example, the motion simulator system 100 may only position theactive rider motion apparatuses in the ride position. The inactive ridermotion apparatuses may be retained in the load position. This may allowmaintenance to be performed on non-operational rider motion apparatuses(e.g. motion platforms 400) and/or avoid unnecessary wear on the motionplatforms 400 and related components of motion bay 110.

The motion simulator system 100 may also omit operation of variousmotion bay elements when the rider apparatuses within a given motion bay110 are non-operational. For example, the front door 900 may not beadjusted (e.g. opened) for each motion bay 110 that does not have anactive rider motion apparatus. Alternately or in addition, the movablebay wall section 854 may not be adjusted (e.g. closed) for each motionbay 110 that does not have an active rider motion apparatus.

The control elements used in motion simulator system can be configuredusing one or more control and/or operational programs or applications.The programs can include computer-executable instructions that can beexecuted by a processor to perform the operations described herein. Forexample, least some of the programs associated with the systems andmethods of the embodiments described herein may be capable of beingdistributed in a computer program product comprising a computer readablemedium that bears computer usable instructions for one or moreprocessors. The medium may be provided in various forms, includingnon-transitory forms such as, but not limited to, one or more diskettes,compact disks, tapes, chips, and magnetic and electronic storage. Inalternative embodiments, the medium may be transitory in nature such as,but not limited to, wire-line transmissions, satellite transmissions,internet transmissions (e.g. downloads), media, digital and analogsignals, and the like. The computer useable instructions may also be invarious formats, including compiled and non-compiled code.

Motion Platform Apparatus

The following is a description of a motion platform apparatus that maybe used by itself in any motion simulator system or in any combinationor sub-combination with any other feature or features disclosedincluding the tolerance accommodation member, the track mountingassembly, the platform positioning system, the vehicle safety device,and the movable bay wall.

In accordance with this aspect, a motion platform apparatus may bemovable between a loading position and a ride position. The motionplatform apparatus can include a seating assembly upon which users canbe seated during a motion simulator experience. In the loading position,the seating assembly can be arranged to facilitate loading and unloadingof users. In the ride position, the motion platform apparatus cansupport the seating assembly in a ride position that may minimize thepotential for user injury during a motion simulation experience. Theseating assembly can also be adjusted to a seating assembly motionposition to minimize or prevent rider injury as the motion platformapparatus moves between the loading position and the ride position.

In the example illustrated (see e.g. FIGS. 5-9), motion platformapparatus 200 includes a motion platform 400 has a platform front end402 and an opposed platform rear end 404. As illustrated, the motionplatform 400 extends between the platform front end 402 and the platformrear end 404 in the forward-rearward direction 113 (see e.g. FIG. 8).The motion platform 400 also extends between opposing lateral sides 403and 405.

Motion platform 400 can be mounted on a base 410. Base 410 has a frontend 412 and an opposed rear end 414. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the base410 has an inner lateral side 415 and an outer lateral side 413. Thebase 410 also extends between the opposing lateral sides 413 and 415.

In some examples, the base 410 may be integrated into the floor of amotion bay 110. This may avoid changes in height underfoot as rider loadand unload from the motion platform 400. Alternately, the base 410 maybe supported on top of the floor of the motion bay 110.

The base 410 defines an upper base surface 440. The upper base surface440 generally extends from the front end 412 to the rear end 414 in aforward-rearward direction 113. The upper base surface 440 alsogenerally extends between the opposing lateral sides 413 and 415 in alateral direction 115 (see e.g. FIG. 8).

The base 410 can define a track 450. As shown in the exampleillustrated, the track 450 extends in the forward-rearward direction113. The track 450 extends between a track front end 451 and a trackrear end 453 (see e.g. FIG. 8).

The motion platform 400 can be movably mounted to the base 410 along thetrack 450. The motion platform 400 can move along the track in theforward-rearward direction 113. The track 450 can define a platformmotion path that extends generally between the track front end 451 andtrack rear end 453.

The base 410 can define a support frame for the motion platform 400 (seee.g. FIG. 9). The support frame can be configured to support motionplatform 400 and enable the motion platform 400 to move along the track.

The base 410 can include a drive member 420. The drive member 420 candrive the motion platform 400 along the track. For example, the drivemember 420 may be provided by a linear belt actuator that is drivenusing a servomotor. The linear belt actuator can be connected to themotion platform 400.

The support frame can also define a plurality of track sections 452,454, and 456 that define the track 450 (see e.g. FIGS. 8 and 11). Themotion platform 400 can be mounted to travel along the track sections452, 454, and 456. Some of the track sections 452 and 454 may defineopenings in the base surface 440.

Optionally, the support frame can be connected within the motion bay 110with floor panels 457 (see e.g. FIG. 11). The floor panels 457 may beintegrated with the base surface 440 to provide a substantiallyuninterrupted walking surface within the motion bay 110. The tracksections 452, 454, and 456 can be integrated with the floor panels 457so that the track 450 is flush with the base surface 440. This mayprevent riders from tripping over the track support rails 456 and/oropen track sections 452/454.

The width of the open track sections 452/454 can be defined to minimizethe possibility of user's tripping. For example, the width of the opentrack sections 452/454 may be limited to about ½ inch, ¾ inch or 1 inch.

One or more track mounting assemblies, such as assemblies 430 and 500,may be used to mount the motion platform 400 to the track 450 (see e.g.FIG. 11). In some cases, the track mounting assemblies can mount themotion platform 400 directly to the track 450, e.g. using wheels orrollers movable along the track 450. For example, track connectorassemblies, such as track connector assemblies 500 described hereinbelow, may be used to mount the motion platform to the track 450.

Alternately or in addition, the track mounting assemblies can mount themotion platform 450 to support components provided by the base 410, suchas a drive member 420. The support components may, in turn, beconfigured to operate in conjunction with the track 450 e.g. by drivingmotion platform 400 along the track 450. For example, toleranceaccommodation member(s) 430 may provide a track mounting assembly tomount the motion platform 400 to the drive member 420.

Alternately or in addition, the track mounting assemblies can includeadditional wheels/rollers 540 configured to be mounted to track supportrails 456. The rollers 540 may provide additional support for motionplatform 400 as it travels along the track 450. For example, the rollers540 may be manufactured using nylon and/or polyurethane caster wheels.

The motion platform 400 can support a seating assembly 300 that includesone or more user seats 350. In the example illustrated, each seatingassembly 300 includes five seats 350, although different numbers ofseats may be provided by a seating assembly 300.

Each seat 350 may provide a user accommodation 290 for a user of themotion platform apparatus 200. Each seat 350 can include have a seatbase 352 upon which users can be seated during operation of motionplatform apparatus 200. Each seat base 352 can extend between a seatfront end 356 and a seat rear end 358 in the forward-rearward direction113. The seats 350 may also include a seat back 354 to provide furthersupport to riders of the motion platform apparatus 200. The seat base352 and/or seat backs 354 can include a mesh covering to provide acomfortable seating surface for the riders.

In the example illustrated, each seat 350 can include a vehicle safetydevice such as a seatbelt 610 (see e.g. FIGS. 10 and 20). The vehiclesafety device can be configured to retain a rider in the rideraccommodation during motion of the platform 400 and/or seating assembly350.

Each seat 350 can also include handles 613. Users can grip handles 613for comfort and support during motion of the platform 400 and/or seatingassembly 350.

In the example illustrated, the seating assembly 300 does not includefootrests. Omitting footrests may provide users with a more immersivemotion simulation experience. This may also avoid users hitting theirfeet or legs against the footrests during the motion simulationexperience.

Alternately, footrests may be provided. This may provide users with afeeling of greater security in the seating assembly 300. This may alsohelp prevent users from dragging their feet while the motion platform400 is moved between the load and in-use positions.

In the example illustrated, the seating assembly 300 is mounted to themotion platform 400 underneath the seat base 352. This may simplifymanufacturing and installation of the motion platform apparatus 200.

Alternately, the seating assembly 300 may be mounted to a motionplatform using a rear or overhead seat support assembly. The seatsupport assembly can be configured to support and move the seats 350during the motion simulation experience.

As shown, the front end 356 of each seat base 352 can be positionedforward of the platform front end 402. As a result, the platform 400 maynot underlie a user's feet while they are seated within the seats 350.

As shown, the seating assembly 300 is mounted to the motion platform 400by a seat support assembly 700 (see e.g. FIG. 12). As shown, the seatsupport assembly 700 can support the seat assembly 300 from below theseat base 352. This may facilitate installation and manufacturing of themotion platform apparatus 200.

Using a support assembly 700 that supports the seating assemblies 300from below may help reduce the overall size of the motion platformapparatus 200. This may facilitate installation of the motion simulatorsystem within venues of limited scope, as well as facilitate modularassembly of multiple motion platform apparatuses 200 into a combinedmotion simulation system.

The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide motion forthe seating assembly 300 while the seating assembly 300 is positioned inan in-use position. The motion provided by the seat support assembly 700may be coordinated/synchronized with visual effects provided by display120. The motion and visual effects may also be coordinated withadditional effects, such as odor effects, wind effects, or watereffects.

The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to move the seatingassembly 300 with at least three degrees of freedom. For example, theseat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a heave motion, apitch motion, and a roll motion for the seating assembly. The seatsupport assembly 700 can be configured to perform a motion profile ormotion sequence that is coordinated with the images displayed on screen120.

In providing a motion simulation experience, the motion simulator system100 may position a set of seating assemblies 300 in the ride position.The motion simulator system 100 can then provide a visual display on thedisplay screen 120. The ride position of the seating assemblies 300 canbe defined so that the visual display is visible from each and everyrider accommodation positioned in the ride position. The motionsimulator system 100 can then control the motion of the rideraccommodations 290 (e.g. by controlling seat support assembly 700)during the visual display to move the rider accommodations in a definedmotion sequence coordinated with the visual display provided on thedisplay screen 120.

The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a definedrange of motion for each degree of freedom. The seat support assembly700 may be configured to provide a heave motion with a range of about+/−25 mm, +/−50 mm, or +/−75 mm in some examples. The seat supportassembly 700 may be configured to provide a pitch motion with a range ofabout +/−5 degrees, +/−10 degrees, +/−15 degrees or +/−20 degrees insome examples. The seat support assembly 700 may be configured toprovide a roll motion with a range of about +/−2.5 degrees, +/−5degrees, +/−7.5 degrees or +/−10 degrees in some examples.

The seat support assembly 700 may be configured to provide a definedspeed or force of motion for each degree of freedom. The seat supportassembly 700 may be configured to provide a heave motion with a maximumforce of about 0.25 g, 0.5 g, or 0.75 g in some examples. The seatsupport assembly 700 may be configured to provide a pitch motion with amaximum acceleration of about 100 degrees/s², 200 degrees/s², or 300degrees/s² in some examples. The seat support assembly 700 may beconfigured to provide a roll acceleration with a maximum acceleration ofabout 100 degrees/s², 200 degrees/s², or 300 degrees/s² in someexamples.

The seat support assembly 700 can be enclosed within a support housing710. In the example illustrated, the support housing 710 includedcorrugated bellows 711. This may allow the housing 710 to move alongwith the motion provided by seat support assembly 700.

Seat support assembly 700 may be mounted to motion platform 400proximate to the front end 402 of the motion platform 400. This mayensure that seating assembly 300 can be positioned proximate the frontend 402.

The motion platform 400 may be moved along the track 450 between aloading position (see e.g. FIG. 5) and an in-use or ride position (seee.g. FIG. 24). The loading position of the motion platform 400 can berearward of the ride position. Users may embark and disembark from thefront of the seating assembly 300.

The drive member 420 can be configured to drive the motion platform 400along track 450 between the load position and the in-use position. Thedistance separating the load position and the in-use position may varydepending on the installation. For example, the distance between theload position and the in-use position may be about 5 feet, 6 feet, 7feet, 8 feet, 9 feet, 10 feet, 11 feet, or 12 feet.

The speed of the drive member 420 can be controlled to provide a desiredtravel time between the load and ride positions. For example, drivemember 420 can be controlled to provide a travel time of about 4seconds, 5 seconds, 6 seconds, 7 seconds, 8 seconds, 9 seconds, or 10seconds. In some examples, the travel time may be adjusted depending onthe particular motion simulation experience (e.g. increasing travel timeto build up rider anticipation).

The drive member 420 can also be controlled to gradually accelerate anddecelerate the motion platform 400 as it travels between the loadposition and the ride position. For instance, the drive member 420 canbe controlled to limit the acceleration of the motion platform 400. Thismay ensure that riders have a smooth transition between the load andride positions. For example, the drive member 420 can be controlled toensure that the force of acceleration of the motion platform 400 doesnot exceed 0.1 g, 0.2 g or 0.3 g.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a platform position sensorthat monitors a position of the drive member 420. The position of drivemember 420 (e.g. the position of the linear actuator) may be monitoredto determine the current position of the platform 400.

The motion platform 400 can be coupled to control components of themotion simulator system 100 using wired and/or wireless connections. Forexample, cabling 438 may be provided to provide electrical and controlconnectivity between the motion platform 400 and various power andcontrol elements of the motion simulator system 100. As shown forexample in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, 22, and 24, the cabling 438 may be providedin an extendible harness. The harness may allow the cabling 438 toextend forward as the motion platform is moved to the ride position (seee.g. FIG. 24) and to retract as the motion platform 400 returns to theload position (see e.g. FIGS. 8 and 11). The base 410 may include arecess 438 within which the cabling 438 can be receded when the motionplatform 400 returns to the load position. This may ensure that cabling438 is not exposed when riders are loading onto or unloading from themotion platform 400.

The motion simulator system 100 can be configured to position the motionplatform 400 in the ride position prior to enabling the seat supportassembly 700 to provide the motion for the motion simulation experience.Alternately or in addition, in some examples the seat support assembly700 may be configured adjust the position (e.g. height/pitch) of theseats 350 while the motion platform 400 is in the load position. Thismay help facilitate loading/unloading of the seats 350.

In the example of motion platform apparatus 200, the base 410 can befixed in position. That is, the base 410 and upper base surface 440 maynot move within a motion bay 110. Users may walk along the upper basesurface 440 when the motion platform 400 is in the load position inorder to reach the seating assembly provided on motion platform 400.Having the base 410 upon which users walk be fixed in position may helpmaintain a more consistent upper base surface 440, by avoiding changesin surface textures that may occur when the surface moves. This mayreduce the possibility of users tripping as they load or unload.

Optionally, motion platform 400 can also include brushes or sweepspositioned to contact the upper base surface 400. The brushes may beused to move debris from the upper base surface 440 as the motionplatform 400 travels along the track 450. This may help prevent debrisfrom interfering with the track mounting assemblies. For example, thebrushes may be positioned at one or both of the front end 402 and rearend 404 of the motion platform 400.

When the motion platform 400 (and seating assembly 300) is positioned inthe in-use position, each seat front end 356 can be positioned forwardof the front end 412 of the base 410 as shown in FIG. 24. For example,the front end 356 of each seat 350 may be cantilevered forward of theplatform front end 402 by a pre-defined distance. Optionally, theplatform front end 402 may also be positioned forward of the base frontend 412. This may ensure that no surface is present under a user's feetwhen the motion platform 400 is in the ride position.

In the example illustrated the seating assembly 300 provided on motionplatform 400 includes only a single row of seats 350. This ensures thatthe feet of every user of the motion platform apparatus 200 are danglingwhen in the ride position. This provides each user with a consistent andconsistently safe motion simulation experience.

As explained above, each motion platform apparatus 200 may be enclosedwithin a motion bay 110. Each motion bay 110 can include an open bayfront end 112 facing a display screen 120 positioned forward of the bayfront end 112. When the seating assembly 300 is positioned in the in-useposition, each seat front end 356 may be positioned forward of the bayfront end 112.

As the seating assemblies 300 may position users forward of the frontend 112 of each motion bay 110 in the ride position, debris from abovemotion bays 110 may fall towards lower motion bays. The extension member130 provided by each motion bay 110 may include a top surface 132configured to inhibit debris from an upper motion bay (e.g. motion bay110 a) from hitting riders in a lower motion bay (e.g. motion bay 110b).

As the motion platform 400 moves between the load position and the rideposition, the upper base surface 440 may be positioned below the users'feet. As a result, a user's feet may drag along the floor or be caughtin the track sections 452 and 454 while the motion platform 400 is inmotion. Accordingly, the motion platform apparatus 200 may be configuredto position the seating assembly in a motion state to minimize thepossibility of users dragging their feet as the motion platform 400adjusts between the load position and the ride position.

The seating assembly 300 may be adjustable between a load state (seee.g. FIG. 36) and a motion state (see e.g. FIG. 37). The motion platformapparatus 200 may be configured to maintain the seating assembly 300 inthe motion state while the motion platform 400 moves along the track 450between the load position and the in-use position. The motion state maybe configured to minimize dragging of users' feet while the motionplatform 400 is in motion.

Optionally, the seating assembly 300 can include seat position sensors.The seat position sensors may be configured to determine when theseating assembly 300 is positioned in the load state and the motionstate. The seat position sensors may be communicatively coupled tocontrol components of the motion simulator system 100. The controlcomponents may use the feedback from the seat position sensors to assistin controlling motion of the motion platform 400.

In the motion state, the front end 356 of each seat base 352 may beraised so that each user's feet are further from the upper base surface.For example, when the seating assembly 300 is in the load state, theseat front end 356 may be positioned at a first height h_(356l) relativeto the motion platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 36). When the seating assembly300 is in the motion state, the seat front end 356 may be positioned ata second height h_(356m) relative to the motion platform 400 (see e.g.FIG. 37). The second height h_(356m) can be selected to be greater thanthe first height h_(356l). Thus, as the motion platform 400 moves alongthe track 450, the seat front end 356 can be positioned at the greatersecond height h_(356m) relative to the motion platform 400.

For example, in the load state, the user seats 350 may be positioned ina first orientation, while in the motion state each user seat 350 ispositioned in a second orientation different from the first orientation.Each user seat 350 may be tilted rearwardly in the second orientationrelative to the first orientation as in the example illustrated. In thesecond orientation, the front end 356 of each seat base 352 may bepositioned higher than the rear end 358. By tilting each user seat 350rearwardly, the seat front 356 of each seat base 352 may be raised. Thismay also encourage riders to maintain their legs at an angled positionso their feet are further from the upper base surface 440.

In some cases, the base 352 of each seat 350 may be raised in the motionstate as compared to the load state. The seat front end 356 of each seatbase 352 can thus be removed to a greater distance from the upper basesurface 440 while in the motion state. For example, seat supportassembly 700 may include hydraulic or pneumatic actuators operable toraise the height of each seat base 352 while in the motion state.

The first height h_(356l) may be selected to permit a wide range ofusers to access the seats 350. For example, the first height h_(356l)may be defined in a range between about 16 inches to 24 inches. In somecases, the first height h_(356l) may be defined in a range between about18 inches to 22 inches. In some cases, the first height h_(356l) may bedefined to be about 18 inches, or 19 inches, or 20 inches, or 21 inches,or 22 inches.

The second height h_(356m) may be selected so that the majority of usersaccessing the seats 350 are unlikely to drag their feet as the seatingassembly 300 moves between the ride position and the load position. Forexample, the second height h_(356m) may be defined in a range betweenabout 24 inches to 30 inches. In some cases, the second height h_(356m)may be defined in a range between about 26 inches to 29 inches. In somecases, the second height h_(356m) may be defined in a range betweenabout 27 inches to 28 inches. In some cases, the second height h_(356m)may be defined to be about 25 inches, or 26 inches, or 27 inches, or 28inches, or 29 inches, or 30 inches.

Optionally, the seating assembly 300 may remain in the motion statewhile the motion simulation experience is ongoing. Alternately, however,the seating assembly need not remain in the motion state during themotion simulation experience. Accordingly, the seating assembly 300 maybe movable through a greater range of motion, including positions wherethe front end 356 is below the second height h_(356m). In some cases,the seating assembly 300 may be movable to position where the front end356 is below the first height h_(356l). For instance, since the seatfront ends 356 may be positioned forward of the base front end 412, therisk of user's hitting their feet on the upper base surface 440 may nolonger be present during the motion simulation experience.

Tolerance Accomodation Member

The following is a description of a tolerance accommodation member thatmay be used by itself in any motion simulator system or in anycombination or sub-combination with any other feature or featuresdisclosed including the motion platform apparatus, the track mountingassembly, the platform positioning system, the vehicle safety device,and the movable bay wall.

In accordance with this aspect, a tolerance accommodation member isprovided that can be used to couple a motion apparatus to a track. Thetolerance accommodation member can be configured to couple the motionapparatus to the track while allowing for track variance andfacilitating manufacturing and installation of motion platformapparatus.

The tolerance accommodation member can include a plurality of connectorsections. A first connector section can be fixedly connected to themotion apparatus while a second connector section is fixedly connectedto a drive member used to drive the motion apparatus along the track.The first and second connector sections can move relative to one anotherto accommodate variations in manufacturing and installation of the trackand/or motion platform. The connector sections may also permit continueduse of the track and motion platform through changes in the track and/ormotion platform due to wear and/or degradation.

For simplicity, various features of the example tolerance accommodationmember described herein are described in relation to the motion platformapparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these features canalso be used in respect of other motion assemblies, such as rear-mountedor suspension-type motion assemblies.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 13-19, a tolerance accommodation member 430can be used to movably mount motion platform 400 to track 450. Motionplatform 400 may be connected to a drive member 420 by the toleranceaccommodation member 430. The drive member 420 operates to drive themotion platform 400 along the track 450. In the example illustrated,drive member 420 can move the motion platform 400 between a loadposition and an in-use position.

The tolerance accommodation member 430 can mount the motion platform 400to the drive member 420 and thereby permit the drive member 420 to drivemotion of the platform 400 along track 450. The tolerance accommodationmember 430 can be configured to transfer drive forces from the drivemember 420 to the motion platform 400 to drive the motion platform 400along the track 450. The tolerance accommodation member 430 may beconfigured to reduce or prevent other load transfer between the drivemember 420 and motion platform 400 apart from drive forces in theforward/rearward direction 113.

The tolerance accommodation member 430 can also be configured toaccommodate a range of manufacturing tolerances in the track 450. Thetolerance accommodation member 430 may thus permit a limited range ofmotion between the motion platform 400 and the drive member 420 in orderto accommodate track variance. The tolerance accommodation member 430may also permit the motion platform 400 to continue moving along thetrack 450 even in the presence of debris (e.g. coins) that may fall intothe open track section 454 or onto the upper base surface 440.

The tolerance accommodation member 430 can include a plurality ofconnector sections or portions. A first connector portion 432 can befixedly mountable to the motion platform 400. One or more fasteners 460can be used to fixedly mount the connector portion 432 to the motionplatform 400. For instance, bolt fasteners 460 can be used as in theexample illustrated, although other fasteners (e.g. screws, rivets) maybe used in alternate embodiments.

A second connector portion 434 can be fixedly mountable to the drivemember 420. One or more fasteners 462 can fixedly mount the connectorportion 434 to the drive member 420. For instance, bolt fasteners 462can be used as in the example illustrated, although other fasteners(e.g. screws, rivets) may be used in alternate embodiments.

The tolerance accommodation member 430 can be configured to permit thefirst connector portion 432 and the second connector portion 434 tomovable relative to one another. This may allow a distance between thefirst end 433 of the first connector portion 432 and the first end 435of the second connector portion 434 to vary. This relative motion mayaccommodate a range of manufacturing tolerances in the track 450.

In the example illustrated, a third connector portion 436 extendsbetween the first connector portion 432 and the second connector portion434. The third connector portion 436 can be movably mounted to the firstend 433 of the first connector portion 432 and separately movablymounted to a first end 435 of the second connector portion 434. Themovable mounting of the third connector portion 436 can allow for therelative motion of the first connector portion 432 and the secondconnector portion 434.

The third connector portion 436 can be configured to extend from alocation above the upper surface 440 of the base 410 to a location belowthe upper base surface 440. The third connector portion 436 can bemounted to the motion platform on a first side 442 of the upper basesurface 440. The third connector portion 436 can be mounted to the drivemember 420 on a second side 444 of the upper base surface 440.

The third connector portion 436 may extend through the track 450 toconnect the motion platform 400 to the drive member 420. For example,the track 450 can include an open track section 454 (see e.g. FIGS. 11and 18). The third connector portion 436 may extend through the opentrack section 454. The open track section 454 and third connectorportion 436 may be shaped respectively in order to permit the open tracksection 454 to guide forward/rearward movement of the third connectorportion 436 as the motion platform 400 moves along the track 450.

As shown in the example illustrated, a movable coupling 470 is used toconnect the third connector portion 436 to the first connector portion432. A movable coupling 472 is also used to connect the third connectorportion 436 to the second connector portion 434.

In some examples, the third connector portion 436 may include multipleconnector sections 437/439. The first connector section 437 and movablecoupling 470 can define the movable mounting to the first connectorportion 432. The second connector section 439 and movable coupling 472can define the movable mounting to the second connector portion 434.

The movable coupling 470 can be configured to permit the third connectorportion 436 to move relative to the first connector portion 432 in afirst direction 471 (see e.g. FIGS. 16 and 17). When the first connectorportion 432 is fixedly mounted to the motion platform 400, the firstdirection 471 can be aligned as a lateral direction perpendicular to theforward-rearward direction 113 (see e.g. FIG. 17). The movable coupling470 may thus permit relative lateral movement between the thirdconnector portion 436 and the first connector portion 432 (and, in turn,the motion platform 400).

The movable coupling 470 can be configured to permit a lateraltranslation of the third connector portion 436 relative to the firstconnector portion 432. The movable coupling 470 may also inhibit otherrelative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the firstconnector portion 432. This may help avoid any twisting or pitching ofthe motion platform 400.

For example, the movable coupling 470 may be configured to inhibitrelative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the firstconnector portion 432 in the forward-rearward direction 113. The movablecoupling 470 may also be configured to inhibit relative motion betweenthe third connector portion 436 and the first connector portion 432 in avertical direction 473.

In the example illustrated, the movable coupling 470 includes a pair ofsliding bushings 476. The sliding bushings 476 can permit the thirdconnector portion 436 to slide (translate) relative to the firstconnector portion 432 in the lateral direction 471. The bushings 476 canalso inhibit or prevent relative motion between the third connectorportion 436 and the first connector portion 432 in directions other thanthe lateral direction 471.

As shown in the example illustrated, a movable coupling 472 is used toconnect the third connector portion 436 to the second connector portion434. The movable coupling 472 can be configured to permit the thirdconnector portion 436 to move relative to the first connector portion434 in a second direction 473 (see e.g. FIGS. 16 and 19). The seconddirection 473 of motion permitted by movable coupling 472 can beperpendicular to the first direction 471 of motion permitted by movablecoupling 470.

When the second connector portion 434 is fixedly mounted to the drivemember 420, the second direction 473 can be aligned as a verticaldirection perpendicular to the forward-rearward direction 113 (see e.g.FIG. 19). The movable coupling 472 may thus permit relative lateralmovement between the third connector portion 436 and the secondconnector portion 434 (and, in turn, the drive member 420).

The movable coupling 472 can be configured to permit a verticaltranslation of the third connector portion 436 relative to the secondconnector portion 434. The movable coupling 472 may also inhibit otherrelative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the secondconnector portion 432. This may help avoid any twisting or pitching ofthe motion platform 400.

For example, the movable coupling 473 may be configured to inhibitrelative motion between the third connector portion 436 and the secondconnector portion 434 in the forward-rearward direction 113. The movablecoupling 472 may also be configured to inhibit relative motion betweenthe third connector portion 436 and the second connector portion 434 inthe lateral direction 471.

In the example illustrated, the movable coupling 472 includes a pair ofsliding bushings 478. The sliding bushings 478 can permit the thirdconnector portion 436 to slide (translate) relative to the secondconnector portion 434 in the vertical direction 473. The bushings 478can also inhibit or prevent relative motion between the third connectorportion 436 and the second connector portion 434 in directions otherthan the vertical direction 473.

In some examples, the tolerance accommodation member 430 may not be thesole mounting element used to mount the motion platform 400 to the track450. The motion platform apparatus 200 may include further trackmounting assemblies in addition to the tolerance accommodation member430. For example, the motion platform apparatus 200 may also include aplurality of track connector assemblies 500 (see e.g. FIG. 11). Eachtrack connector assembly 500 may be mounted to the motion platform 400and movably mounted to the track 450.

In some cases, a pair of track connector assemblies may be mounted tothe motion platform 400 and the track 450 as in the example illustrated.The tolerance accommodation member 430 and the track connectorassemblies can be spaced apart in the lateral direction 115.

As shown, the tolerance accommodation member 430 can be positionedbetween the two track connector assemblies 500 in the lateral direction115. For instance, the tolerance accommodation member 430 may bepositioned centrally below the motion platform 400 with the trackconnector assemblies 500 positioned laterally outward towards eachlateral side 405 and 407. This may help maintain the motion platform 400in alignment along the track 450 as it moves between the loadingposition and the ride position.

Track Mounting Assembly

The following is a description of a track mounting assembly that may beused by itself in any motion simulator system or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed includingthe motion platform apparatus, the tolerance accommodation member, theplatform positioning system, the vehicle safety device, and the movablebay wall.

In accordance with this aspect, a track mounting assembly that can beused to mount a motion assembly to a track. The track mounting assemblycan include a pair of track members mounted to the motion assembly. Thetrack members engage one another about the track to maintain the motionassembly mounted to the track.

For simplicity, various features of the example track mounting assemblydescribed herein are described in relation to the motion platformapparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these features canalso be used in respect of other motion assemblies, such as rear-mountedor suspension-type motion assemblies.

In some examples, the motion platform 400 can be mounted to the track450 using a mounting assembly 500 (see e.g. FIGS. 20-23 and 30-31). Inthe example illustrated, the motion platform 400 may be mounted to thetrack using a forward mounting assembly 500 f proximate the front end402 of the motion platform 400 and a rear mounting assembly 500 rproximate the rear end 404.

A mounting assembly 500 can include a first track member 510 and asecond track member 520. Both the first track member 510 and the secondtrack member 520 can be connected to the motion platform 400. The firsttrack member 510 may be fixedly mounted to the motion platform 400. Thesecond track member 520 can also be fixedly mounted to the motionplatform 400.

The mounting assembly 500 can movably mount the motion platform 400 on atrack surface, such as surface 440 of the track 450. The first trackmember 510 and second track member 520 can cooperate to mount the motionplatform 400 with the platform 400 being movable along the track 450.

The first track member 510 may be movably mountable on a first surfaceof the track 450. For instance, the track member 510 can be mounted onthe upper track surface 440 as in the example illustrated. The firsttrack member 510 may be movable along the track surface 440 to allow themotion platform 400 to travel along the track 450.

For example, the first track member 510 can include a rotatable mountingelement such as a roller 514. The rotatable mounting element can beconfigured to roll along the surface of the track 450. Alternately, thefirst track member 510 may include a translatable mounting elementconfigured to translate or slide along the surface of the track 450.

The first track member 510 can include a coupling section 512 thatextends through the surface of the track 450 when first track member 410is mounted to the track 450. For instance, the coupling section 512 mayextend below the upper track surface 440 as in the example shown. Thecoupling section 512 can be configured to engage the second track member520 in order to secure the motion platform 400 to the track 450.

For example, the rotatable or translatable coupling element may includea flanged section that extends below the track surface 440. In theexample illustrated, roller 514 is provided by a flanged wheel 516.

The flanged wheel 515 can include a wheel section 515. The wheel section515 can to roll along the surface of the track 450 when the first trackmember 510 is mounted to the track 450. The wheel section 515 can beconnected to the motion platform 400 by rotatable connector 519. Therotatable connector 519 can permit rotational motion of the roller 514.The rotatable connector 519 may also be configured to prevent or inhibitother motion (e.g. lateral, vertical, and forward/rearward) of theroller 514 relative to the motion platform 400.

The flanged wheel 515 can also include a flange section 517. The flangesection 517 can extend radially outwardly from the perimeter of thewheel section 515. The flange 517, or at least a portion thereof, canextend through the track 450. In the example illustrated, the flangedsection 517 extends downward through the track 450 (through open section452) when the wheel section 515 is mounted to the track 450 on the upperbase surface 440. The flange section 517 may define the coupling sectionof the first track member 510.

The second track member 520 may be configured as a captive arm member.The second track member 520 can include a first arm portion 522 that isconnectable to the motion platform 400. The first arm portion 522 can beconnected to the motion platform 400 in a fixed position.

The second track member 520 can also include a second arm portion 524.The second arm portion 524 can be arranged to extend below the uppertrack surface 440 when the second track member 520 is installed. Thesecond track member 520 can be positioned to extend the second armportion 524 to an engagement height where the second arm portion 524 canengage the coupling section 512.

The second arm portion 524 and coupling section 512 can engage oneanother at the engagement height. For example, the second arm portion524 and coupling section 512 may be matingly engageable. The engagementbetween the second arm portion 524 and coupling section 512 can securethe motion platform 400 to track 450. The second arm portion 524 can beconfigured to maintain engagement with the coupling section 512 as thefirst track member 510 moves along the track 450. The first track member510 and second track member 520 may thus cooperate to maintain themotion platform 400 on the track 450.

In the example illustrated, the second arm portion 520 includes a wheel526. As the first track member 510 moves along the track 450, the wheel526 may roll along the underside of the track 450. The wheel 526 maymaintain engagement with the coupling section 512 as it rolls.

The wheel 526 can be shaped to engage the coupling section 512 of thefirst track member 510. For example, the wheel 526 may include a grooveshaped to engage the flanged section 517. The wheel 526 may includeouter wheel sections with a groove or recess therebetween shaped toreceive and engage flanged section 517. The wheel 526 and flangedsection 517 may maintain their engagement as both wheel 526 and roller514 roll along the track 450.

The height at which the coupling section 512 engages the second armportion 524 may vary due to minor differences in components of themotion platform apparatus 200 (e.g. motion platform 400, track 450,etc.) that arise during manufacturing and/or installation. Accordingly,the second track member 520 may be secured to the motion platform 400using an adjustable connector assembly 530. The adjustable connectorassembly 530 can be used to adjust the engagement height at which thesecond arm portion 524 engages the coupling section 512.

The adjustable connector assembly 530 can be adjusted duringinstallation to engage the second arm portion 524 with the couplingsection 512. The connector assembly 530 can then retain the second armportion 524 in a fixed position relative to the motion platform 400. Theadjustable connector assembly 530 may also permit subsequentre-adjustment of the engagement height, e.g. to account for changes dueto use and/or wear of the motion platform apparatus 200.

As shown in FIG. 31, the first arm portion 510 is connected to themotion platform 400 by an adjustable connector assembly 530. Theadjustable connector assembly 530 is usable to adjust the engagementheight of the second arm portion 524.

For example, the adjustable connector assembly 530 can include a pivotconnector 532. The pivot connector 532 may pivotably connect the firstarm portion 522 to the motion platform 400. The first arm portion 522can pivot about the pivot connector 532 to adjust the engagement heightof the second arm portion 524.

The adjustable connector assembly 530 may also include an adjustmentlimiting member 534. The adjustment limiting member 534 may define anadjustment range for the first arm portion 510. The adjustment range mayin effect limit the range of the engagement height. For example, theadjustment limiting member 534 may be a pivot limiting member as shownin FIG. 21. The pivot limiting member can define a pivot range and thefirst arm portion 522 can be prevented from pivoting outside of thepivot range. In the example illustrated, the adjustment limiting member534 may be defined by a fastener 537 that is receivable within a slot525. The slot 535 may define the range of motion within which thecorresponding fastener 537 is permitted to move.

The adjustable connector assembly 530 also includes an adjustment member536. The adjustment member 536 is usable to adjust the position of theconnector assembly 530. In the example illustrates, the adjustmentmember 536 is provided as an adjustment screw. The screw can be adjusted(e.g. tightened or loosened) to adjust the connection between the secondarm portion 520 and the motion platform 400. This, in turn, causes thearm 520 to pivot about pivot connection 532, and thereby adjust theengagement height.

The adjustment member 536 can also be secured in position. This maydefine the engagement height for the second arm portion 524 at a fixedlocation. For instance, the adjustment screw may be fixed at a definedheight to maintain the engagement height at a fixed position.

Platform Positioning System

The following is a description of a positioning system that may be usedby itself in any motion simulator system or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed includingthe motion platform apparatus, the tolerance accommodation member, thetrack mounting assembly, the vehicle safety device and the movable baywall.

In accordance with this aspect, a positioning system can include a firstlock unit that secures a ride accommodation assembly in a ride positionand a second separate lock unit that secures the ride accommodationassembly in a loading position. The load position lock may include adrive member lock that prevents the assembly drive member from movingwhen the load position lock is activated. The ride position lock mayinclude a mechanical lock that secures the ride accommodation assemblyin place. This may allow the drive member to be deactivated while theassembly is in the ride position, which may prevent load transfer to thedrive member during a motion simulation experience.

The positioning system can also include additional positioning members.The positioning members can be arranged to ensure that the rideaccommodation assembly is maintained within a define motion path. Thepositioning members can prevent the ride accommodation assembly fromtravelling beyond the desired ride and/or loading positions.

The positioning system can also include assembly monitoring sensors. Themonitoring sensors can be arranged to detect the position of the rideaccommodation assembly. The monitoring sensors can be used to determinewhether the ride accommodation assembly is positioned in the loadingposition, ride position, or another position. The monitoring sensors maybe used by a vehicle controller to ensure that the ride accommodationassembly is in the correct position prior to performing certain actionssuch as activating a motion simulation experience, or deactivating userseatbelts.

For simplicity, various features of the example positioning systemdescribed herein are described in relation to the motion platformapparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these features canalso be used in respect of other motion assemblies, such as rear-mountedor suspension-type motion assemblies.

A motion platform apparatus can include a ride accommodation assemblythat is movably mounted to a track. The ride accommodation assembly canmove along the track between a loading position and an in-use or rideposition. In the loading position, users can embark and disembark fromthe ride accommodation assembly. In the in-use position, the rideaccommodation assembly can be moved in accordance with a motionsimulation experience.

As illustrated, motion platform apparatus 200 can include a rideaccommodation assembly in the form of a seating assembly 300. Theseating assembly 300 can be movably mounted to track 450. As shown, theseating assembly 300 is movably mounted to track 450 by a motionplatform 400. The motion platform 400 can move along the track 450between a load position and an in-use position. In the exampleillustrated, the load position is rearward of the in-use position.

In operation, the motion platform apparatus 200 can be moved between theloading position and the in-use position. When the motion platformapparatus 200 is undergoing passenger loading or unloading, the motionplatform 400 can be secured in the loading position. When the motionplatform apparatus 200 is providing a motion simulation experience, themotion platform 400 can be secured in the motion position.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a platform positioningsystem usable to maintain the motion platform 400 in the loadingposition and/or the in-use position. The platform positioning system caninclude one or more locks usable to secure the motion platform 400 inthe loading position and/or the in-use position. The platformpositioning system can also include motion limiting members usable toprevent the motion platform 400 from travelling along the track 450beyond the in-use position or loading position.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can include a first lock unit operableto secure the motion platform 400 in the load position. The first lockunit can be adjusted between an engaged or locked position and adisengaged or unlocked position. When the motion platform 400 is in theload position and the first lock unit is engaged, the first lock unitcan secure the motion platform 400 in the load position. When the firstlock unit is released, the motion platform 400 may be moved to thein-use position.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include a second lock unit550. The second lock unit 550 can secure the motion platform 400 in thein-use position. When the motion platform 400 is in the in-use positionand the second lock unit 550 is engaged, the second lock unit 550 cansecure the motion platform 400 in the in-use position. When the secondlock unit 550 is released, the motion platform 400 may be returned tothe load position.

The second lock unit 550 may be a separate lock from the first lock unitused to secure the motion platform 400 in the load position. The secondlock unit 550 may be configured to minimize load transfer from themotion platform 400 when the seating assembly undergoes a motionsimulation experience.

Alternately, the first lock unit may be used to secure the motionplatform 400 in both the load and in-use position. This may simplify thecontrol and manufacturing of the locking system for motion platformapparatus 200.

Alternately or in addition, both the first lock unit and second lockunit 550 may be used to secure the motion platform 400 in the in-useposition. This may provide a redundant locking system to ensure that themotion platform 400 remains in the in-use position during a motionsimulation experience.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can include an actuator or drivemember 420. The drive member 420 can be drivingly connected to themotion platform 400. The drive member 420 can operate to drive themotion platform 400 along the track 450 between the load position andthe in-use position.

The first lock unit may be configured to manage operation of the drivemember 420. The first lock unit may be configured to prevent the drivemember 420 from moving along the track 450 when in the engaged position.In its locked state the first lock unit can prevent the drive member 420from moving along the track 450. In its unlocked state, the first lockunit may no longer prevent the drive member 420 from moving along thetrack 450. The first lock unit may be configured as a type of motor orengine brake that can operate to prevent the drive member 420 fromdriving motion of the motion platform 400.

The first lock unit may be engaged when the motion platform 400 ispositioned in a load position. The motion platform apparatus 200 caninclude a vehicle controller operable to control and monitor operationsof the motion platform apparatus 200. The vehicle controller candetermine that the motion platform position 400 is positioned in theload position and engage the first lock unit while users are undergoingloading or unloading. The first lock unit may prevent the drive member420 from receiving power to drive the motion platform 400 when in thelocked state. This may ensure that the motion platform 400 does notprovide unwanted motion while loading.

Once loading is completed, the first lock unit may be released (e.g.adjusted to the disengaged or unlocked state). For example, the vehiclecontroller may transmit an unlock signal to the first lock unit. Thedrive member 420 may then be operated to move the motion platform 400 tothe in-use position along the track 450. When the motion platform 400reaches the in-use position, the second lock unit 550 can hold themotion platform 400 in the in-use position.

In the example illustrated, the second lock unit 550 can include amechanical lock 552. The mechanical lock 552 can be positioned to engagethe motion platform 400 when the motion platform 400 is positioned inthe in-use position. The mechanical lock 552 can include correspondingengagement members connected to the motion platform 400 and to the base410. The engagement members may lockingly engage one another to securethe motion platform 400 to the base 410.

For example, the mechanical lock 552 may include a latch 554 and acorresponding engagement arm 556. The engagement arm 556 can be receivedby the latch member 554 when the motion platform 400 is moved to thein-use position. The latch member 554 may secure the engagement arm 556in position, thereby preventing the motion platform 400 from travellingalong the track 450.

In the example illustrated, the latch 554 is mounted to base 410 and theengagement arm 556 extends from the motion platform 400. Alternately,the latch 554 may be mounted to the motion platform 400 with thecorresponding engagement arm 556 provided by the base 410.

In the example illustrated, the mechanical lock 552 is positioned toautomatically engage the motion platform 400 when the motion platform400 is moved to the in-use position. The mechanical lock 552 may definea rotary lock unit that is configured to engage the motion platform 400as it reaches the in-use position.

In the example illustrated, the engagement arm 556 is mounted on anextension portion 401 of the motion platform 400. The extension portion401 extends below the upper surface 440 of the base 410 (see e.g. FIGS.25 and 26). As the motion platform 400 moves to the in-use position, theengagement arm 556 engages with the latch 554 and causes the latch 554.The engagement arm 556 is then received within the lock recess 555 andthe latch 554 returns to its extended position, securing the engagementarm 556 within the recess 555.

When the motion platform 400 is positioned in the in-use position, withthe second lock unit 550 engaged, the motion platform 400 can beretained in the in-use position during a motion simulation experience.The second lock unit 550 can hold the motion platform 400 in positionwhile the seating assembly 300 is moved in the motion simulationexperience. The mechanical lock 552 may be configured to handle thedynamic loading caused by the motion of the seating assembly 300.

When the motion platform 400 reaches the in-use position, the drivemember 420 may then be deactivated (e.g. power to the drive member 420may be disconnected). This may reduce or prevent the transfer of loadforces from the motion simulation experience to the drive member 420,which may help reduce wear and damage to the drive member 420.

The second lock unit 550 can be adjusted between a locked state and anunlocked state. In the locked state, the second lock unit 550 securesthe motion platform 400 in the in-use position and prevents the motionplatform 400 from travelling rearward along the track 450. In theunlocked state, the motion platform 400 is movable rearward along thetrack 450. To allow the motion platform 400 to be returned to the loadposition, the second lock unit 550 can be released. The motion platform400 can then be returned to the load position, e.g. by re-activating thedrive member 420 and driving motion platform 400 along the track 450.

The second lock unit 550 can be biased to the locked state. As shown,latch 554 is biased to an extended position enclosing the lock recess555. The second lock unit 550 can be adjusted to the unlocked state inresponse to a release signal. For example, a remote release overrideswitch may be connected to the second lock unit 550. The remote releaseoverride switch can be coupled to the second lock unit 550 by releasecabling 568. The remote release override switch may provide a releasesignal to disengage the second lock unit 550. For example, the vehiclecontroller may control the operation of the remote release overrideswitch to disengage the second lock unit 550.

In some examples, the motion platform apparatus may include rideposition lock units positioned to engage the motion platform 400proximate both lateral sides 403 and 405. For example, the motionplatform apparatus 200 may include a pair of lock units 550 for eachmotion platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 9). The lock units 550 can bepositioned proximate the lateral sides 413 and 415 of the base 410.

In the example shown, the lock units 550 can be positioned proximateeach of the outer track section 452. The lock units 550 may beconfigured to engage extensions 401 of the motion platform 400 extendingthrough the outer track sections 452.

Arranging the ride position locks 550 to engage the outer sides 403/405of the motion platform 400 may help stabilize the motion platform 400during a motion simulation experience. For example, positioning rideposition locks 550 that engage the motion platform 400 laterally outwardfrom the center of the motion platform may provide greater stabilitywhen there is an unbalanced load of users of the seating assembly 300.

Alternately or in addition, a lock unit may be positioned to engage themotion platform 400 centrally. For example, a lock unit 550 may bepositioned proximate the central open section 454 of the track 450.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include additionalpositioning elements that can maintain the motion platform 400 withinthe platform motion path. The positioning elements may be configured toensure that motion platform 400 does not travel beyond the track frontend 451 or track rear end 453.

In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can include aforward positioning member or stop member 564 (see e.g. FIG. 29). Thestop member 564 can be positioned to engage the motion platform 400 asthe motion platform is moved to the in-use position. The stop member 564can be configured to prevent the motion platform 400 from travellingforward of the in-use position. In the example illustrated, the frontstop member 564 can be positioned to engage the second arm portion 524of a forward connector assembly.

The motion platform apparatus 200 may also include one or more dampingmembers 566. A damping member 566 can be positioned to engage the motionplatform 400 when the motion platform 400 is moved to the in-useposition or the load position. The damping member 566 can be configuredto slow the motion platform 400 as it reaches the respective positionand prevent further motion of the motion platform. This may provide asmoother stopping action for the motion platform 400.

In the example illustrated, a damping member 566 is positioned proximatethe load position (see e.g. FIGS. 26 and 28). The damping member 566 canengage an extension portion 401 of the motion platform 400 as the motionplatform 400 nears the in-use position (see e.g. FIG. 26). This mayprovide a smoother stopping action for the motion platform, providingusers with a more comfortable experience.

Alternately or in addition, a damping member 566 may be positionedproximate the load position. The load position damper may similarly beconfigured to slow the motion of the motion platform as it is moved tothe load position.

In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can include a rearpositioning member or stop member 570 (see e.g. FIGS. 30 and 31). Thestop member 570 can be positioned to engage the motion platform 400 asthe motion platform is moved to the load position. The stop member 570can be configured to prevent the motion platform 400 from travellingrearward of the load position. In the example illustrated, the rear stopmember 570 can be positioned to engage the second arm portion 524 of arear connector assembly 500 r.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include one or more positionsensors operable to detect a position of the motion platform 400. Thevehicle controller may monitor the position sensors to determine whenthe motion platform 400 is positioned in the load position and/or thein-use position. The vehicle controller may also monitor the positionsensors to detect when the motion platform 400 is in intermediatepositions while travelling between the load position and in-useposition. The vehicle controller can use the platform position signalsto control the operation of various components of the motion platformapparatus 200, such as the drive member 420, vehicle safety device 600,movable wall 850, front door 900, display 120 etc.

In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can include a rideposition sensor 580 (see e.g. FIGS. 9 and 26-27). In the exampleillustrated, the ride position sensor 580 is positioned proximate thein-use position of the motion platform 400. The ride position sensor 580can be configured to determine whether the motion platform 400 ispositioned in the in-use position. For example, the ride position sensor580 may be an optical sensor usable to detect the presence or absence ofthe motion platform extension 401. Detection of the motion platformextension 401 can indicate that the motion platform 400 is positioned inthe in-use position. Alternately, other types of position sensors may beused, such as magnetic sensors for example.

In some examples, the motion platform apparatus 200 can include one ormore load position sensors 422 (see e.g. FIGS. 8 and 9). In the exampleillustrated, the load position sensors 422 are positioned proximate theload position of the motion platform 400. The load position sensors 422can be configured to determine whether the motion platform 400 ispositioned in the load position. For example, the load position sensors422 may be an optical sensor usable to detect the presence or absence ofthe motion platform 400 (see e.g. FIG. 8). Detection of the motionplatform 400 can indicate that the motion platform 400 is positioned inthe load position. Alternately, other types of position sensors may beused, such as magnetic sensors for example.

The motion platform apparatus 200 can also include one or moreintermediate position sensors 424 and 426. The intermediate positionsensors 424 and 426 can be used to detect the location of the motionplatform as it travels between the in-use position and the loadposition. Detection of the motion platform by the intermediate positionsensors 424 and 426 may be used to control various components of themotion platform apparatus 200.

For example, the vehicle controller may open the front door 900 inresponse to detecting that the motion platform has reached theintermediate position sensors 424/426 while travelling from the loadposition to the in-use position. Similarly, the vehicle controller mayclose the front door 900 in response to detecting that the motionplatform has reached the intermediate position sensors 424/426 whiletravelling from the in-use position to the load position. This mayensure that the front bay door 900 is closed whenever user loading isoccurring.

Vehicle Safety Device

The following is a description of a vehicle safety device that may beused by itself in any motion simulator system or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed includingthe motion platform apparatus, the tolerance accommodation member, thetrack mounting assembly, the platform positioning system, and themovable bay wall.

In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle safetydevice includes a seat belt that is mounted on a seat belt reel. Thevehicle safety device includes a momentum lock that prevents the seatbelt from being rapidly extended. The vehicle safety device alsoincludes a momentum lock control unit that can be used to deactivate themomentum lock. This may facilitate rapid loading and unloading of themotion platform apparatus, by allowing users to extend their seat beltquickly for fastening or unfastening. The vehicle safety device alsoincludes a momentum lock position sensor that monitors whether themomentum lock is activated. The vehicle controller can prevent operationof the motion platform apparatus while the momentum lock is deactivated,to prevent the seat belt from being freely extendible while a motionsimulation experience is ongoing.

For simplicity, various features of the example vehicle safety devicedescribed herein are described in relation to the motion platformapparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these features canalso be used in respect of other vehicles and motion assemblies, such asrear-mounted or suspension-type motion assemblies.

As shown in FIGS. 32-35, a vehicle safety device can include a seat belt610 that is matingly engageable with a receiver 630. The seat belt caninclude a harness or restraint section 612 and an engagement section614. The receiver 630 can be configured to engage with the engagementsection 614 of the seat belt 610.

A user may draw the seat belt 610 across their body with the restraintsection 612 positioned in front of their body. The engagement section614 can then be inserted into the receiver 630. The engagement section614 can matingly engage receiver 630 to secure the seat belt 610 to thereceiver 630. The restraint section 612 can then secure the user withinthe seat 350.

The vehicle safety device may include a seat belt lock sensor. The seatbelt lock sensor may be configured to detect an engaged position of theseat belt engagement section 614. For example, the receiver 630 mayinclude an optical engagement position sensor (e.g. a proximity switch).The engagement position sensor may be used to detect the lockingengagement of the engagement section 614 and the receiver 630.Alternately, other sensors such as a toggle switch may be used as theengagement sensor.

The operation of the seat belt 610 can be controlled by a retractor unit600. The retractor unit 600 can include a seat belt reel 620. The seatbelt 610 can be mounted to seat belt reel 620. The seat belt 610, and inparticular restraint section 612, can be extended from and retracted bythe seat belt reel 620.

The retractor 600 can include a lock unit 650. The lock unit 650 may beadjusted between a locked position (see e.g. FIG. 35) and an unlockedposition (see e.g. FIG. 34). In the locked position, the lock unit 650can inhibit the seat belt 610 from being extended from the seat beltreel 620. This may prevent the seat belt restraint section 612 fromloosening rapidly in response to motion of the seating assembly 630 inorder to prevent injuries that may result, e.g. whiplash or contusionscaused by unrestrained motion. In the unlocked position, the seat belt610 may be freely movable on the seat belt reel 620. This may facilitaterapid loading and unloading of users from the seating assembly 300, byallowing the users to extend the seat belt easily when seatingthemselves and buckling or unbuckling the engagement section 614.

The lock unit 650 can include a lock member 652. The lock member 652 canbe configured to lockingly engage the seat belt 610 on the seat beltreel 620. When the lock unit 650 is adjusted to the locked position, thelock member 652 can engage the seat belt 610 and inhibit motion of theseat belt 610 from the seat belt reel 620. As shown in FIG. 35, the lockmember 652 can apply force to the restraint section 612 that is mountedon reel 620 to prevent or inhibit motion of the portion of the restraintsection 612 that is currently wound about the reel 620.

The retractor 600 can also include a lock control unit 660. The lockcontrol unit 660 can operate to move the lock unit 650 between thelocked position and the unlocked position. In some examples, the lockunit 650 may be biased to the locked position. The lock control unit 660may be configured to deactivate/unlock the lock unit 650.

In the example illustrated, the lock control unit 660 includes a releasemember 662. The release member 662 is operable to drive the lock member652 from the locked position to the unlocked position.

In some examples, the lock control unit 660 can include a solenoid 664.The solenoid can be configured to control the operation of the releasemember 662.

The lock control unit 660 can also include a lock position sensor 670.The lock position sensor 670 can be configured to monitor the positionof the lock unit 660. The lock position sensor 670 can be configured todetect whether the lock unit 660 is in the locked position. For example,the lock position sensor 670 may be an optical sensor or mechanicalsensor operable to detect the position of the release member 662 and/orlock member 652.

Alternately, the lock position sensor 670 can include a solenoidmonitoring sensor 672 as in the example illustrated (see e.g. FIG. 33).The lock position sensor 670 may determine the position of the lock unit600 based on the state of the solenoid 664, as detected by sensor 672.For example, solenoid monitor sensor 672 may be an optical sensorpositioned facing solenoid 664.

The lock control unit 660 can be remotely connected to a vehiclecontroller, e.g. wirelessly or through a wired connection. The vehiclecontroller may control the operation of a vehicle, such as motionplatform apparatus 200, on which the vehicle safety device is installed.The vehicle controller can be configured to transmit control signals tolock control unit 660 to control operation of the lock control unit 660.

The vehicle controller can also communicate with the lock positionsensor 670. The lock position sensor 670 can be configured to transmit alock position signal to the vehicle controller. The lock position signalcan indicate whether the lock unit 660 of the corresponding safetydevice is in the locked position or the unlocked position. The vehiclecontroller can be configured to prevent operation of the vehicle inresponse to determining that the lock position signal indicates that thelock unit 660 is in the unlocked position. In some examples, the vehiclecontroller may prevent operation of the vehicle if the lock unit 660 ofany vehicle safety devices provided on the seating assembly 300 are inthe unlocked position.

In some examples, the vehicle controller may be configured to identify avehicle load condition. The vehicle load condition may indicate thatusers are loading onto or unloading from the vehicle. For example, avehicle load condition may be identified based on a simulation operatorproviding an input indicating that loading/unloading of the seatingassembly 300 is underway.

The vehicle controller may then transmit a load signal to the lockcontrol unit 660. The lock control unit 660 can be configured to adjustthe lock unit 650 to the unlocked position in response to the loadsignal. This may facilitate more rapid loading/unloading of the vehicle.

The vehicle controller may be configured to identify a vehicleactivation condition. The vehicle activation condition may indicate thatthe user vehicle is to be moved. For example, a vehicle activationcondition may be identified based on a simulation operator providing aninput indicating that loading of the seating assembly 300 is complete.

The vehicle controller may then transmit a vehicle activation signal tothe lock control unit 660. The lock control unit 660 can be configuredto adjust the lock unit 650 to the locked position in response to thevehicle activation signal. This may prevent undesired extension of therestraint 612 during operation of the vehicle.

The vehicle controller may be configured to monitor the lock units 650of each safety device provided on the vehicle. For example, the lockposition sensor 670 may continually monitor the position of the seatbelt lock unit 650 (e.g. by monitoring a position of the lock member652, release member 662, or solenoid 664). The lock position sensor 670can transmit the monitored position of the seat belt lock unit to thevehicle controller. The vehicle controller can prevent the user vehiclefrom moving in response to the monitored position indicating that atleast one of the seat belt lock units 650 is in an unlocked position.

The seating assembly 300 may also include seat occupancy sensors. Theseat occupancy sensors can be configured to identify which of the seats350 are occupied in a given motion simulation experience. For example,optic sensors and/or pressure sensors may be used to detect seatoccupancy.

The vehicle controller may use the feedback from the seat occupancysensors to ensure that the seat belt lock unit 650 for each occupiedseat 350 is locked prior to operating the vehicle. This may allow thevehicle controller to activate the vehicle even if some of the seat beltlock units 650 are deactivated, so long as those seats are unoccupied.

When the vehicle controller determines that each of the seat belt lockunits 650 is in the locked position, the vehicle controller may theninitiate movement of the vehicle from the load position to the in-useposition. The lock control unit 660 can be configured to maintain thelock unit 650 in the locked position, or otherwise to not adjust thelock units 650 to the unlocked position, while the motion platformremains in the in-use position.

The vehicle controller may subsequently determine that the user vehiclehas returned to the load position. The vehicle controller may thentransmit a lock deactivation signal to the lock control unit 660 inresponse to determining that the user vehicle is in the load position.The lock control unit 660 may then adjust the lock unit 650 to theunlocked position in response to the lock deactivation signal, allowingthe seat belt 610 to move freely on the seat belt reel 620. This maypromote faster unloading, as input from an operator may not be requiredto deactivate the lock unit 650.

Movable Bay Wall

The following is a description of a movable bay wall that may be used byitself in any motion simulator system or in any combination orsub-combination with any other feature or features disclosed includingthe motion platform apparatus, the tolerance accommodation member, thetrack mounting assembly, the platform positioning system, and thevehicle safety device.

In accordance with this aspect, a user motion apparatus is positionedwithin a motion bay. The motion bay includes an entranceway thatprovides users with access to the user motion apparatus. The motion baycan also include a movable wall section. The movable wall section can bemoved to cover the entranceway before the motion apparatus is movedbetween a load position and a ride position. This movable wall sectionmay provide a smooth wall adjacent to the motion assembly that mayreduce or avoid pinch points near to the motion assembly. This mayreduce the chance of user injury due to hair or limbs being caught asthe motion assembly is moved to the ride position. This may also permitthe size of the motion bay to be reduced, by allowing the motionassembly to be positioned closer to the outer bay walls.

For simplicity, various features of the example movable bay walldescribed herein are described in relation to the motion platformapparatus 200. However, it will be appreciated that these features canalso be used in respect of other motion assemblies, such as rear-mountedor suspension-type motion assemblies.

A motion bay 100 can enclose one or more motion assemblies that are usedto support rider accommodations. As shown in FIGS. 38-51, each motionbays 110 one or more motion platform apparatuses 200 each having amotion platform 400 that supports a seating assembly 300. The seatingassembly 300 can include seats for one or more riders of the motionplatform apparatus 200.

The motion bay 110 can extend between a bay front end 112 and a bay rearend 114 in a forward-rearward direction 114. The motion bay 110 can alsoextend between a first lateral bay side 117 and a second lateral bayside 119.

The motion platform 400 can be contained within the enclosure defined bythe motion bay 110. The motion platform 400 also has a platform frontend 402, a platform rear end 404, a first lateral platform side 403 anda second lateral platform side 405.

The motion bay 110 can include an entranceway 800. The entranceway 800can be formed in a lateral side 119 of the motion bay 110. Theentranceway 800 can be sized to permit riders to enter and exit themotion bay through the entranceway 800.

Optionally, the motion bay 110 may include entranceways 800 a and 800 bformed on both lateral sides 117 and 119 (see e.g. FIG. 39). This mayfacilitate rapid loading and unloading of the seating assemblies 300.For example, dual entranceways 800 may facilitate loading through afirst entranceway 800 a and unloading through a second entranceway 800b. This may facilitate a flow of riders through multiple sessions of amotion simulation experience. Alternately or in addition, dualentranceways 800 may facilitate loading of motion bays 100 havingmultiple motion platform apparatuses 200.

The motion platform 400 can move along a platform motion path between anin-use position proximate the bay front end 112 and a load positionrearward of the in-use position. For example, track 450 can define aplatform motion path that extends generally between the track front end451 and track rear end 453. The entranceway 800 can be positioned to beadjacent to a portion of the platform motion path. For example, theentranceway 800 may be located proximate the bay front end 412 asillustrated.

The motion bay 110 can include a bay wall 850 on the lateral bay side119. The bay wall 850 can include a movable wall section 852 that ismovably mounted on the lateral bay side 119 of motion bay 110 and afixed wall section 854. The movable wall section 852 can be movedbetween a wall load position (see e.g. FIGS. 38, 41-45) and a wallmotion position (see e.g. FIGS. 39, 40 and 46).

In the wall motion position, the movable wall section 852 defines acontinuous wall section 858 adjacent to the first lateral platform side403. The continuous wall section 858 can separate the motion platform400 from the entranceway 800. The continuous wall section 858 can beprovided to avoid changes in surface texture and pinch points that mightotherwise exist if the entranceway is left open when the motion platform400 is moved. For example, when the bay wall 850 is positioned in thewall motion position, the bay wall 850 may define a substantiallycontinuous wall section extending from the load position of the seatingassembly 300 to the bay front end 112. The continuous wall section mayengage with the frame 910 that provides the door track.

In the wall load position, the movable wall section 852 can bepositioned rearward as compared to the wall motion position. The movablewall section 852 can receded to provide access from the entranceway 800to the motion platform 400.

In some examples, the movable wall section 852 may be movable only whenthe motion platform 400 is in the platform load position (e.g. proximatethe rear 114 of the motion bay). The movable wall section 852 may beadjustable between the wall load position and the wall motion positionwhen the motion platform 400 is in the load position. This may ensurethat the wall section 852 may be positioned in the wall motion positionprior to the motion platform 400 being moved to the in-use position.

A vehicle controller can be configured to control movement of themovable wall section 852. The vehicle controller may be configured tomove the movable wall section 852 only when the motion platform 400 isin the load position. The vehicle controller may be configured to ensurethat the movable wall section 852 is positioned in the extended positionwhenever the motion platform 400 is not in the load position. That is,the motion platform 400 may only movable between the load position andthe in-use position when the bay wall 850 is positioned in the wallmotion position. This may ensure that pinch points are avoided while themotion platform 400 and/or seating assembly 300 are in motion.

The movable wall section 852 may permit the motion platform 400 to bepositioned close to the lateral side 119 of the motion bay 100 whilestill providing a safe motion arena for the motion platform 400. Thismay allow the overall size of the motion bay 110 to be reduced or theuser capacity to be increased, which may in turn promote greater overallcapacity for a motion simulation venue.

For example, the movable bay wall section 852 may be spaced apart fromthe first lateral platform side 403 of the motion platform 400 by a wallspacing distance d₈₅₂ (see FIG. 45) less than 18 inches when the baywall 850 is in the wall load position. In some examples, the movable baywall section 852 may be spaced apart from the first lateral platformside 403 of the motion platform 400 by a wall spacing distance d₈₅₂ (seeFIG. 45) less than 12 inches when the bay wall 850 is in the wall loadposition.

In the example illustrated, movable wall section 852 may be mounted on awall track 860. As shown, the track 860 can be provided by a wallsupport section 830. In the example illustrated, the wall track 860 isan overhead track provided above the movable wall section 852. A wallmounting unit 862 can be used to movably mount the wall section 852 tothe track 860. As illustrated by the example of FIG. 50, the wallmounting unit 862 can include a roller 864 that can move along the track860 between the wall load position and the wall motion position.

The motion bay may also include a wall position sensor 870. The wallposition sensor 870 can be configured to monitor a position of the baywall 850. The wall position sensor 870 may be an optical sensor or othertype of sensor arranged to detect the position of the movable wallsection 854.

As shown in FIG. 50, the wall position sensor 870 may be an opticalsensor positioned to detect a sensor target 872 mounted to the movablebay wall section 852. The wall position sensor 870 can be positionedproximate to the bay front end 112 (e.g. near the wall motion position)to identify when the movable wall section 854 is in the wall motionposition.

The wall position sensor 870 can transmit a wall position signal to avehicle controller. The vehicle controller can be configured to controloperation of the motion platform 400 based on the wall position signal.For example, the vehicle controller may prevent operation of the motionplatform 400 unless the wall position sensor 870 detects the motionplatform 400 in the wall motion position.

The motion bay 110 may also include a retractable front door 900. Thefront door 900 may separate the motion bay 110 from a viewing area infront of display 120. The front door 900 may be adjusted between an openposition (see e.g. FIG. 5) in which the bay front end 112 is open and aclosed position (see e.g. FIG. 6) in which the bay front end 112 isclosed by the front door 900.

The front door 900 can be positioned in the closed position duringloading and unloading of riders from the seating assembly 300. This mayensure secure loading/unloading and prevent users from falling off thefront end 112 of a motion bay 110.

The front door 900 can be moved to the open position to allow the motionplatform 400 and seating assembly 300 to be moved forward to the frontend 112 of the motion bay 110. This may remove any elements from thesight lines of riders positioned in the seats 350, and thereby provideriders with a more immersive experience. The openable front door 900 mayallow the motion bays 110 to omit any front safety railings that mayotherwise obscure a user's view of the screen 120.

In the example illustrated, the front door 900 is mounted on a frame910. The frame 910 includes a track 920 along which the front door 900is movable. The front door 900 can move along track 920 between the openposition and the closed position.

The door track 920 can include an overhead track section 924 and a fronttrack section 926. The door 900 can transition between the overheadtrack section 924 and the front track section 926 as the door movesbetween the open position and the closed position.

The front door 900 may include variable opening/closing rates fortransitioning between the open and closed positions. The front door 900may also be configured to begin and end the opening/closing motion atreduced rates of speed, to provide a soft close effect for the riders.

Optionally, the door 900 may open and close at different rates. The door900 may transition from the closed position to the open position at afaster rate than transitioning from the open position to the closedposition. This may facilitate opening the door 900 as the motionplatform 400 is already in motion from the load position to the rideposition. This may provide users with a more immersive experience byemphasizing the synchronization between the motion platform 400 and door900.

For example, the door 900 may transition from the closed position to theopen position in about 2-4 seconds, and about 2-3 second in some cases.The door 900 may transition from the open position to the closedposition in about 3-7 seconds, and about 4-5 second in some cases.

The bay wall 850 and the retractable front door 900 can also share atrack support section 830. As illustrated, the track support section 830can include an upper portion that includes the overhead section 926 ofthe door track and a lower portion that includes the wall track 860.

The frame 910 can include a track guard section 922 (see e.g. FIG. 41).The track guard section 922 can enclose the front track section 926 andprevent the bay wall section 854 from contacting the front track section926 when the front door 900 is mounted on the front track section 926.When the bay wall section 854 is moved to the closed position, the baywall section 854 may engage the front door track section 926.

The vehicle controller may also include a door control unit. The doorcontrol unit may be configured to control the operation of the frontdoor 900. For example, the door control unit may control the operationof the front door 900 based on the position of the motion platform 400.

The door control unit can also communicate with the wall position sensor870. The door control unit may be configured to prevent the front door900 from opening when the bay wall 850 is in the wall load position.This may ensure that users cannot fall from the bay front end 112 duringloading/unloading.

The motion bay 110 can also include one or more front door positionsensor. The door position sensor(s) can be configured to monitor aposition of the front door. The door position sensor(s) may operate todetermine when the front door 900 is in the open or closed position. Forexample, the motion bay 110 can include a door closed sensor 940 and adoor open sensor 942.

The vehicle controller may also include a wall control unit incommunication with the front door position sensor 940. The wall controlunit may be configured to prevent the bay wall 850 from moving towardsthe wall load position unless the front door 900 is in the closedposition.

As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent aninclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both,for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to meanX or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

While the above description describes features of example embodiments,it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of thedescribed embodiments are susceptible to modification without departingfrom the spirit and principles of operation of the describedembodiments. For example, the various characteristics which aredescribed by means of the represented embodiments or examples may beselectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has beendescribed above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed conceptand non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the artthat other variants and modifications may be made without departing fromthe scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. Thescope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodimentsand examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistentwith the description as a whole.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A user motion apparatus comprising: (a) atrack; (b) a motion assembly movably mounted to the track, the motionassembly configured to support at least one rider accommodation; (c) adrive member operable to drive the motion assembly along the track; and(d) a tolerance accommodation member comprising a first connectorportion, a second connector portion, and a third connector portion,wherein the first connector portion is fixedly mounted to the motionassembly, the second connector portion is fixedly mounted to the drivemember, and the third connector portion extends between the firstconnector portion and the second connector portion; wherein the thirdconnector portion is movably mounted to a first end of the firstconnector portion; and the third connector portion is separately movablymounted to a first end of the second connector portion whereby the firstconnector portion and the second connector portion are movable relativeto one another allowing a distance between the first end of the firstconnector portion and the first end of the second connector portion tovary thereby accommodating a range of manufacturing tolerances in thetrack.
 2. The user motion apparatus of claim 1, wherein: (a) the trackis provided by a support, the support defines an outer support surface,and the track comprises an open track section that extends through theouter support surface; and (b) the third connector portion extendsthrough the open track section, the third connector portion is mountedto the motion assembly on a first side of the outer support surface, andthe third connector portion is mounted to the drive member on a secondside of the outer support surface.
 3. The user motion apparatus of claim1, wherein: (a) the third connector portion is movably mounted to thefirst connector portion by a first movable coupling; (b) the firstmovable coupling permits the third connector portion to move relative tothe first connector portion in a first direction; (c) the thirdconnector portion is movably mounted to the second connector portion bya second movable coupling; (d) the second movable coupling permits thethird connector portion to move relative to the second connector portionin a second direction; and (e) the second direction is perpendicular tothe first direction.
 4. The user motion apparatus of claim 1, wherein:(a) the track extends in a forward-rearward direction; (b) the thirdconnector portion is movably mounted to the first connector portion by afirst movable coupling; and (c) the first movable coupling permitsmovement in a lateral direction perpendicular to the forward-rearwarddirection.
 5. The user motion apparatus of claim 4, wherein: (a) thethird connector portion is movably mounted to the second connectorportion by a second movable coupling; and (b) the second movablecoupling permits the third connector portion to move relative to thesecond connector portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to theforward-rearward direction.
 6. The user motion apparatus of claim 1,wherein: (a) the third connector portion is movably mounted to thesecond connector portion by a second movable coupling; and (b) thesecond movable coupling permits the third connector portion to moverelative to the second connector portion in a vertical direction.
 7. Theuser motion apparatus of claim 1, wherein: (a) the track extends in aforward-rearward direction; (b) the third connector portion is movablymounted to the first connector portion by a first movable coupling; (c)the first movable coupling inhibits the third connector portion frommoving relative to the first connector portion in the forward-rearwarddirection; (d) the third connector portion is movably mounted to thesecond connector portion by a second movable coupling; and (e) thesecond movable coupling inhibits the third connector portion from movingrelative to the second connector portion in the forward-rearwarddirection.
 8. The user motion apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thirdconnector portion is movably mounted to the first connector portion by afirst movable coupling, and the first movable coupling comprises asliding bushing.
 9. The user motion apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethird connector portion is movably mounted to the second connectorportion by a second movable coupling, and the second movable couplingcomprises a sliding bushing.
 10. The user motion apparatus of claim 1,further comprising two track connector assemblies, wherein each trackconnector assembly is mounted to the motion assembly and movably mountedto the track.
 11. The user motion apparatus of claim 10, wherein: (a)the track is provided by a support, the support has a front end, a rearend, a first lateral side, and a second lateral side, and the supportextends between the front end and the rear end in a forward-rearwarddirection, and between the first lateral side and the second lateralside in a lateral direction; (b) the track extends in theforward-rearward direction; (c) the connector assembly and the trackconnector assemblies are spaced apart in the lateral direction with theconnector assembly positioned at a location between the two trackconnector assemblies in the lateral direction.
 12. The user motionapparatus of claim 1, wherein the motion assembly comprises a pluralityof rider accommodations.
 13. A tolerance accommodation member for a usermotion apparatus comprising a track, a motion assembly movably mountedto the track, and a drive member operable to drive the motion assemblyalong a track, wherein the tolerance accommodation member comprises: (a)a first connector portion that is fixedly mountable to the motionassembly; (b) a second connector portion that is fixedly mountable tothe drive member; and (c) a third connector portion that extends betweenthe first connector portion and the second connector portion; whereinthe third connector portion is movably mounted to a first end of thefirst connector portion; and the third connector portion is separatelymovably mounted to a first end of the second connector portion wherebythe first connector portion and the second connector portion are movablerelative to one another allowing a distance between the first end of thefirst connector portion and the first end of the second connectorportion to vary thereby accommodating a range of manufacturingtolerances in the track.
 14. The tolerance accommodation member of claim13, wherein: (a) the track is provided by a support, the support definesan outer support surface, and the track comprises an open track sectionthat extends through the outer support surface; and (b) the thirdconnector portion is shaped to extend through the open track sectionwith the third connector portion mounted to the motion assembly on afirst side of the outer support surface and the third connector portionmounted to the drive member on a second side of the outer supportsurface.
 15. The tolerance accommodation member of claim 13, wherein:(a) the third connector portion is movably mounted to the firstconnector portion by a first movable coupling; (b) the first movablecoupling permits the third connector portion to move relative to thefirst connector portion in a first direction; (c) the third connectorportion is movably mounted to the second connector portion by a secondmovable coupling; (d) the second movable coupling permits the thirdconnector portion to move relative to the second connector portion in asecond direction; and (e) the second direction is perpendicular to thefirst direction.
 16. The tolerance accommodation member of claim 13,wherein: (a) the track extends in a forward-rearward direction; (b) thethird connector portion is movably mounted to the first connectorportion by a first movable coupling; and (c) the first movable couplingis configured to permit movement in a lateral direction perpendicular tothe forward-rearward direction when the connector assembly is installedwith the first connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion assembly.17. The tolerance accommodation member of claim 16, wherein: (a) thethird connector portion is movably mounted to the second connectorportion by a second movable coupling; and (b) the second movablecoupling permits the third connector portion to move relative to thesecond connector portion in a vertical direction perpendicular to theforward-rearward direction.
 18. The tolerance accommodation member ofclaim 13, wherein: (a) the third connector portion is movably mounted tothe second connector portion by a second movable coupling; and (b) thesecond movable coupling is configured to permit the third connectorportion to move relative to the second connector portion in a verticaldirection when the connector assembly is installed with the secondconnector portion fixedly mounted to the motion actuator.
 19. Thetolerance accommodation member of claim 13, wherein: (a) the trackextends in a forward-rearward direction; (b) the third connector portionis movably mounted to the first connector portion by a first movablecoupling; (c) the first movable coupling is configured to inhibit thethird connector portion from moving relative to the first connectorportion in the forward-rearward direction when the connector assembly isinstalled with the first connector portion fixedly mounted to the motionassembly; (d) the third connector portion is movably mounted to thesecond connector portion by a second movable coupling; and (e) thesecond movable coupling is configured to inhibit the third connectorportion from moving relative to the second connector portion in theforward-rearward direction when the connector assembly is installed withthe second connector portion fixedly mounted to the motion actuator. 20.The tolerance accommodation member of claim 13, wherein the thirdconnector portion is movably mounted to the first connector portion by afirst movable coupling, and the first movable coupling comprises asliding bushing.
 21. The tolerance accommodation member of claim 13,wherein the third connector portion is movably mounted to the secondconnector portion by a second movable coupling, and the second movablecoupling comprises a sliding bushing.